At its annual policy forum, The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) released the Sharing the Benefits of the container deposit scheme (CDS) discussion paper.
WALGA Manager Waste and Recycling Rebecca Brown said the paper would form the basis for advocacy on key components of CDS regulations.
CDS laws were introduced into the Western Australian Parliament in December 2018, with the scheme expected to start in early 2020.
The scheme is expected to deliver a net positive benefit of around $152 million over the next 20 years.
WALGA proposes negotiations between local governments and material recovery facilities (MRF) on how to best share cost benefits of the CDS start at a 50/50 basis — net the verifiable inclusion costs for MRF’s.
Ms Brown said a 50/50 starting point would provide both parties with an equitable share of the benefits of CDS, while including considerations of the costs to the MRF operator.
The paper also explores how CDS will influence the cost of operating an MRF, potential sampling protocols and approaches to transparency.
At the policy forum, Ms Brown also announced the development of a new WALGA resource for local government that provides an overview of the legislative framework, anticipated implementation timeframes, contractual relationships and local government considerations of the CDS.
Related stories:
- SA Govt to review CDS
- WA CDS legislation enters state parliament
- CDS contract renegotiations: Mike Ritchie