The Uptake of Container Deposit Schemes: A Case Study in Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

The environmental impacts of single-use plastics are increasing worldwide due to the continual rise in consumption and a lack of appropriate collection and management systems in many countries. Various programs, known as container deposit schemes (CDS), have been implemented to improve the collection and recycling of single-use plastic containers. This research investigated the drivers and barriers of CDS uptake in Perth, Western Australia. The study surveyed over 400 individuals within Perth regarding their engagement with and usage of the local CDS, known as “Containers for Change”, which was implemented in October 2020. This research found that there is a high level of public awareness (98%) of the scheme, and it has been widely adopted across Perth within the first year of its implementation; however, logistical challenges and container eligibility were found to be key barriers to the uptake of the scheme. It was noted that there is some skepticism toward waste management practices in Australia, and knowledge of the benefits of CDS appears to be lacking. Recommendations for improving the functionality and uptake of the Containers for Change scheme are to increase the range of bottles accepted within the scheme, create more accessible and convenient drop-off locations for containers, and improve/increase education regarding the benefits of the scheme. This research is limited by a response rate that was dominated by individuals living in stand-alone houses; however, with the majority of Perth residents living in stand-alone houses, this research remains valuable. There is scope for further research into skepticism regarding waste management practices in Australia, as well as the logistical challenges of CDS uptake by apartment dwellers.

Can the Cans: Determinants of Container Deposit Behavior before and after Introduction of a Container Refund Scheme

“…Participants recycling single-use drinking containers at each time-point were assessed as the mean of two items (e.g., "How often did you recycle every single-use drinking container you used during the past four weeks?"). Each item was scored on a 7-point scale (e.g., [1] Never to [7] Every Time). The measure had good reliability at each time-point (Time 1: α = 0.98, Time 2: α = 0.98, Time 3: α = 0.98).…”

“…. ", each scored on a 7-point bipolar scale ([1] Bad to [7] Good). The measure had good reliability at each time-point (Time 1: α = 0.94, Time 2: α = 0.80, Time 3: α = 0.99).…”

“…Subjective Norms. Subjective norms about recycling single-use drink containers were assessed as the mean of four items assessing a combination of injunctive and descriptive norms (e.g., "Those people who are important to me would want me to recycle every single-use drinking container I use"), each scored on a 7-point Likert scale anchored from [1] Strongly Disagree to [7] Strongly Agree. The measure had good reliability at each time-point (Time 1: α = 0.88, Time 2: α = 0.86, Time 3: α = 0.90).…”

“…[1] Never to [7] Every Time How often did you recycle every single-use drinking container you used during the past four weeks?…”

“…Across Australia, these schemes have demonstrated efficacy through strong uptake, reduced litter, and improved recycling rates [5][6][7]. For example, in Queensland, 63.5% of eligible containers were recycled in 2022-2023, with the majority collected via container refund points [8].…”