Council Support Growing for Bottle Deposits

Dec 22, 2005 Epoch Times By Diane Cordemans

Provincial centres lead the way in moves to reintroduce bottle deposits in order to reduce the huge cost of storing non-recycled glass bottles.

 

Otorohanga and Gisborne District Councils last week resolved to follow Nelson City Council´s move to advocate nationally for a return to bottle deposits.

 

These decisions were welcomed by Motueka based 'Community Action for People and Planet', who have been promoting the idea of reusable bottles with refundable deposits to Local Authorities confronted with growing glass mountains.

 

"This bottle deposit proposal just makes sense, so its not surprising that it's received so much support, both from councils and the general public. We're looking forward to the issue being discussed at LGNZ sector meetings next year and expect more council's to pledge support before then." Said Community Action coordinator Duncan Eddy.

 

" It's costing Kiwi ratepayers big bucks to store and transport thousands of tons of glass that we can't recycle. The sooner that bottle deposits are brought back, the better. It's the only realistic solution."

 

"Bottle deposits offer a small financial incentive for consumers to help reduce waste, and they're remarkably effective. In Ontario over 95% of reusable refundable beer bottles are returned and refilled around 20 times before being recycled into new bottles.

If you're looking for a win-win waste reduction solution, this is it." Said Mr Eddy.

 

It is hoped that the proposals will be adopted throughout as discussions are on the agendas of a number of Councils in New Zealand.