A survey of the Queensland container deposit scheme has found serious problems with community access that it says will inhibit convenience and recycling rates.
The Containers For Change scheme is operated by CoEX and there are fears the problems will create issues for years to come.
“The CoEX website doesn’t reflect reality," said Jeff Angel, Director of the Total Environment Centre, which carried out the survey.
"Almost 40% of refund points are either closed, don’t exist or are not operating properly. Also 39,000 people are served by a refund point – three times bigger than the more convenient NSW scheme with more collection points. It’s a poor result. The CRS should be doing much better.’’
The study of the south east Queensland container deposit operation was carried out from February 22 to March 9, 2020, before the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.
It found:
- 14 of the 129 refund point locations reviewed did not exist or were closed and 35 were not operating correctly
- All mobile/pop up points (except Return-it Victoria Point) were problematic due to restricted opening times
- Many bag drops had no signage other than on the ‘pod’, at times making it hard to locate and in one instance, wasn’t able to be located (DFO Brisbane). Many did not provide bags or QR tags on site and many did not direct users to other locations for these
- Over-the-counter manual and reverse vending machine depots worked very well.
“The scheme has been operating for 17 months and these issues should have been ironed out by now," Angel said. "It makes you question the commitment of the CRS Coordinator as it has clearly not put in sufficient effort into maximising convenience for consumers, which of course will flow onto lower recycling rates.
“It appears to be a systemic problem in the choice and number of refund point types and how they are operated. It’s notable that the lower the return rate, the more unredeemed funds kept by the bottlers.
‘’We are calling on the Queensland government to subject the CRS to a comprehensive in-depth review and have power to exert greater control over CoEX. We are happy to help as drink container refunds have an absolutely essential role to play in reducing dangerous litter and supporting a growing domestic recycling industry.
"The CRS must keep faith with the community which invests its time and money in supporting the scheme.’’
Pictured: Leeanne Enoch, Queensland Minister for Environment.
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