When Kerry Thiess moved to WA from South Australia more than 10 years ago she brought with her a passion for the environment and working towards protecting the state from litter.
A Gosnells resident, waste management consultant and campaigner against litter Mrs Thiess has been actively campaigning for the Cash for Cans scheme also known as the Container Deposit Scheme since 2009.
In August the State Government announced West Australians would be able to claim 10 cents back from plastic and glass containers from mid-2018 as part of a deposit scheme but this announcement did not stop Mrs Thiess from continuing her crusade against littering.
Mrs Thiess said dozens of community groups and thousands of people over the past 15 years had worked tirelessly to reach a state based Container Deposit Scheme.
“Having lived in South Australia where they’ve had a Container Deposit Scheme for decades I had seen the benefits first hand,” she said.
“Not just in terms of a reduction in litter but how it seems to have inspired other pro-environmental behaviours since such as South Australia’s ban on plastic bags and their strong renewable energy sector.”
Mrs Thiess said Cash for Cans required anyone who bought beverages over 150mls to pay an additional 10 cents deposit, which is refunded on return to an approved collection point.
“Cash for Cans is important because it will dramatically reduce the prevalence of litter and clean-up costs of local governments and main roads,” she said.
“It will boost recycling rates and reduce pressure on our landfills, it will reduce the burden of plastic pollution in our waterways and broken glass on our streets.
“Individuals and community groups will be able to earn an income and it is a great thing for kids to do to make a bit of pocket money.
“The 10 cent refund also indicates to the community what might be considered waste is valuable and it has the potential to shift our thinking on we view waste.”
Member for Thornlie Chris Tallentire petitioned the government regarding a container deposit scheme on November 8.
In his petition he said it was time to address the number of beverage containers recycled in WA and assist in improving the ongoing litter problem in the state.
“Discussion about the introduction of such a scheme for Western Australia has been ongoing for too long and it is now time the government took action,” he said.
“A deposit scheme would result in cleaner verges and pavements because people would be less likely to throw bottles away and even if they still do, we’d see scout groups and other people picking up bottles to claim the refund.”
