More shots fired in cash for containers war

Confusion reigns over the future of the Northern Territory's cash for containers scheme after Coca-Cola Amatil's successful legal challenge to its operation.

The company has announced that it will cut prices on orders for its products from today, and says people will still be able to get 10-cent refunds on approved containers for the next two weeks.

But the ABC understands people are already being turned away from some recycling centres.

Coca Cola Amatil says people will be able to get a refund on bottles and cans brought to recycling depot Envirobank until March 18.

Customers at an alternate depot, run by Veolia, were turned away today as the company puts operations on hold.

Beverage company Lion Nathan says it will remain in the Container Deposit Scheme until it has sought further clarification from the Territory Government.

The company says it will continue to honour refunds, and its prices will remain the same while it reviews the court judgement and learns more about the Government's future intentions.

Territory Environment Minister Peter Chandler says the Government will seek an exemption from the federal law that saw Coca-Cola Amatil, Schweppes and Lion Nathan win their challenge in the Federal Court.

The Territory had enjoyed a one-year exemption from the Commonwealth Mutual Recognition Act, but this had expired prior to the court hearing.

Mr Chandler says the Territory will seek another exemption at a Commonwealth Heads of Government (COAG) meeting next month.

He says he has written to territory and state leaders to seek an ongoing exemption, as is enjoyed by South Australia.

The Territory's cash for containers scheme is based on that which has long operated in South Australia.

"If we can get all premiers and chief ministers to sign on exempting the Territory, then the recent legal challenge will be a moot point," Mr Chandler said.

"We will be able to keep running with the (NT) legislation."

Beset by problems

A Darwin recycling company says the scheme has been problematic from its inception.

NT Recycling Solutions managing director Leon Schultz says the Government should have been aware it needed another exemption from the Commonwealth law.

"Now, effectively, manufacturers by law do not have to participate in the scheme," he said.

"I guess that would guarantee the collapse of the scheme in its current state unless the Government can obtain a permanent exemption from the Mutual Recognition Act."

The owner of one Darwin recycling depot says he's been left in the dark about the future of his operation.

Greg Meyers says he has yet to be contacted or given any information by the Government.

"I'm still taking my commercial stuff, because I've received nothing from the Government to tell me otherwise," he said.

A remote area recycling centre says ending the scheme will mean litter will build up in Indigenous communities.

A depot at the Aputula store, about 400 kilometres south-east of Alice Springs, is the only recycling centre in a remote Indigenous community.

Store manager Nigel Pratt says the cash for containers scheme had reduced litter in the community.

"It made people more focused on keeping things neat and tidy," he said.

"Every house would have a container collection ... of some kind.

"They know when it gets full to just take it in and cash it in."

The Territory Opposition says it will help the Government's fight to restore the scheme.

Source: ABC News, 5 March 2013