Let’s bring back the Great New Zealand BottleDrive!
Media Release: Thursday 20th July 2006

“The Great New Zealand Bottle Drive is an ideal opportunity for community groups to fundraise while keeping our clean, green image,” says Zoe Martin, Community Advocacy Worker for BottleDrive.

“Many people remember with affection the days when most beverage containers had refundable deposits and they made their first pocket money from redeeming the deposits at the local dairy or joined in a ‘bottle drive’ to raise funds for the scouts, girl guides or other community group,” says Ms Martin.

There are growing calls for the days of the Bottle Drive to return and currently a number of New Zealand community recycling organisations, community groups and NGO’s are responding to this call by organising a national campaign to bring the Bottle Drive into legislation. Under the Green’s Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill there is room for the provision of a mandatory deposit and refund system for all used drink containers (container deposit legislation or CDL). This would mean a small 10 cents charge is added to the cost of beverages at the point of purchase. Customers or community groups can then redeem this deposit when they return empty containers to an appointed collector.

“Community recycling organisations, community groups and NGO’s are so supportive of Container Deposit Legislation because of its success at diverting beverage containers from landfill, new job creation and because of its potential to provide an alternative, sustainable funding source for community organizations,” she says.

Container Deposit Legislation will provide New Zealand with environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits.

“It’s great to see the Problem Gambling Foundation, Envision and the Waste Resource Trust behind this campaign. They are flying the flag for all of New Zealand, and New Zealand communities to stay clean and green with a sustainable fundraising scheme that is not at the detriment of the most vulnerable of our communities.

“For this campaign to be successful we need as many groups and individuals as possible to send in a submission to the select committee by the 4th of August. If you care about our environment and want less litter on our streets, on our beaches, and in our forests, and want less rubbish going to landfills, as well as a sustainable funding stream for your community group visit www.bottledrive.org.nz to complete a submission form,” she says.

Postcard submissions are also available just email info@bottledrive.org.nz with your contact details.

For more information about the Great New Zealand Bottle Drive please visit www.bottledrive.org.nz.

ENDS

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