Date: 25-Feb-11
Author: Lucy Band

In a historic move the Northern Territory Parliament has passed the Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Bill 2010,”

“This bill is a huge step towards a cleaner and greener Territory " said  Environment Minister Karl Hampton. The legislation establishes both

• A ban from later this year on shops giving away or selling single-use, non biodegradable plastic bags; and  
• A Container Deposit Scheme (CDL) in late 2011 whereby consumers can receive a 10c deposit on eligible bottles, cans and cartons at registered collection depots. 

Currently kerbside recycling only covers around 50% of the Territory population. This legislation is an effort to tackle the national litter problem and provide environmental and economic benefits to Territorians.

“Every year Territorians throw away 40 million plastic bags and recycle only 10% of our beverage containers, creating landfill, killing wildlife and littering our beautiful environment."

“This legislation will ban the bag whilst offering a 10c incentive for Territorians to recycle eligible plastic, aluminium and glass beverage containers, bringing these recycling rates up above 70%.

More Information

For information on the recycling services that your local council provides visit RecyclingNearYou or for workplaces visit BusinessRecycling.

For the full press release click here