"Return & Earn" event

Wednesday 21st July

Aotea Square, Queen St.

Zero-waste campaigners are concerned that the voluntary Packaged Goods Accord recently approved by the Government will not seriously reduce the amount of packaging being generated, consumed and dumped in landfills.

So to raise consciousness of the issue, this Wednesday, colourful 'National Bottle Bill Day' stalls around the country are offering a five-cent refund for recyclable containers and a petition to sign.

A five cent refund will be given for all recyclable drink bottles received --- glass, aluminium and type 1 and 2 plastics --- to highlight the issue and help show how such legislation would work.

We believe that voluntary Packaging Accords don't work and that New Zealand should follow the example set by South Australia, ten US states and Canada and bring in Container Deposit legislation. The small mandatory refundable deposit set by such 'Bottle Bill' laws lead to 80 to 90 per cent of drink containers being recovered, which in turn has led to reduced council waste disposal costs, created hundreds of new recycling jobs and practically eliminated roadside litter.

The petition at the venue outlines the problems with the current system and proposes the use of compulsory Container Deposit Legislation - CDL. As well as the petition there will be plenty of information available at the stall and the public are invited to come and discuss the Bill.

We hope you can take part in this unique event by bringing in your recyclable bottles for a refund and signing the petition.

ENDS

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