Party donations canning deposit scheme: MP

The Nationals MP representing far west New South Wales says vested interests are behind the delay in the State Government implementing a container deposit scheme.

John Williams wants 10-cent refunds for cans and bottles, similar to what South Australian residents have enjoyed for more than 35 years.

State and federal environment ministers meet tomorrow to discuss how a national container deposit system would work.

Mr Williams says they should not bow to the interests of drink companies.

"The problem that you've had - and I don't shy away from it - both Labor and Liberal governments have been supported by the Packaged Stewardship Forum which basically helps them with elections and helps with funds," Mr Williams said.

"I don't think that's in the best interests of getting the job done with container deposit legislation."

Mr Williams says a container deposit scheme has a lot of support in the community and only a few detractors.

"It's just a matter now that the state ministers show common sense and not bow down to the beverage manufacturers and start taking some action that I think is important to the environment," he said.

A spokesman for the NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker says the government supports options that benefit the community without adding to the cost of living.

Soft drink bottles can be returned for a 10-cent refund in Broken Hill under the South Australian scheme, but beer bottles cannot after Lion Nathan pulled out of the system in 2008 when the deposit doubled from five cents.

Source: ABC News, 10 April 2013