The recycling dilemma.

New South Wales is considering implementing a refundable deposit on all forms of drink containers. This has been in place in South Australia for many years - and that state leads the nation in recycling rate statistics.

This is not a new idea. New South Wales had just such a scheme in place many years ago until it was dropped because of opposition from retailers and lack of interest from the public.

Small children were enthusiastic about earning pocket money from cashing in bottles left in public parks, but high school students and others of an older age considered such activity " uncool " - and much to the annoyance of parents - refused to be seen by their peers cashing in bottles.

The idea certainly has merit - but the government would be wise to consider all the pros and cons before making a decision.

Retailers will certainly voice opposition if they are nominated as the collection point. Not only will it involve precious space to house these returns until they are moved to a central collection point, but staff will be involved in making the transactions and doling out money for the returns.

Then there is the fine point of the law. Retailers will no doubt be required to accept the return of drink cans they sell, but what happens if a collector arrives with a barrow load from a nearby park ? Lawmakers should be careful to ensure that reasonable limits apply.

It is almost certain that if such a deposit scheme is implemented there will be pressure from retailers for a price increase in bottled and canned drinks to compensate for the secondary service imposed by the government.

Then there is the impact on those charities that collect aluminium cans as a source of revenue. This could go either way. If the source of such cans dries up because the public are cashing them in - then their source of income diminishes.
If the expansion of credits to all bottles and cans increases opportunities they could well become the primary collector - and see their income soar.

One thing is certain. The public have had the opportunity to recycle cans and bottles for many years. Every council provides recycling bins for households and many people scrupulously wash tins, bottles and cans and put them in these bins for pickup.

The problem is that more don't bother - and in particular - we seem to be a throw-away society. After every sporting event or public concert the grounds are littered with food containers, paper and cans and bottles.

Perhaps a deposit scheme may reduce the number of cans and bottles within this litter - but so far no plan has emerged to make us better citizens and reduce the mess we leave behind in public places !