New Zealanders know best on container deposits

10 July, 2007

New Zealanders know best when it comes to container deposits

The Glass Packaging Forum says that the poll into people’s attitudes towards container deposit taxes shows that New Zealanders understand that sustainability is about balancing environmental, social and economic considerations rather than just reacting emotionally to the latest cause.

David Carter, Chair of the Glass Packaging Forum welcomed the first nationwide public polling on proposed new waste taxes which was today announced by the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development:

“This survey shows that people see container deposits for what they are – an additional tax whether its paid for through rates or in their shopping baskets. We know that there is an emotional appeal for container deposits on bottles harking back to the “good old days” but the situation today is vastly different because 95% people now have access to recycling facilities. Introducing a dual collection system makes no sense at all.”

The research conducted by the Business Council shows initial support for the idea of container deposit charges but this disappears when people are asked to pay for it. 60% of New Zealanders want to pay either nothing or as little as 5 cents as a container deposit charge.

Mr Carter said that this level of charge would be insufficient to fund a nationwide container deposit system. Moreover to focus simply on collecting more glass containers is to miss the real issue:

“We set up the Glass Packaging Forum because more glass was being collected than could be processed economically. There are excellent collection systems in place; it’s using the glass that is the issue for us. We’ve spent around $2 million identifying the problem, providing some initial support for recycling operators and subsequently seeking alternative uses for glass collected around the country which can’t be used by the Auckland based manufacturer of glass containers.”

“For example we are purchasing and will oversee the operation of a mobile glass crusher which will crush glass to the specifications required for use in roading or construction. This crusher will be based primarily on South Island. We already have many communities and councils registering their interest because they believe it will deliver substantial economies of scale.

Mr Carter said the Business Council’s survey shows that New Zealanders believe that container charges are a tax too far and that there are more economic ways to improve recycling.

“It is clear from this poll that people want to recycle more and reduce their waste but are discerning about how this is achieved. So in contrast to a rejection of container deposits, the majority support a waste levy. We accept that a national waste levy, properly researched, managed and allocated could resolve some of the regional disparities in waste management. For industry the devil will be in the detail and industry must be part of the solution. There needs to be complete transparency about who is eligible to receive the levy and on what it will be spent as indicated in the Business Council’s recommendations.”

“From a glass perspective, we will continue to find uses for the glass which is collected and we support the greater use of more public place recycling bins. As brand owners we have the opportunity to make sure that events which we sponsor have efficient recycling in place.”

ENDS

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