Uncategorised

Coca-Cola accused of putting cash ahead of community

The Conservation Council of WA has accused beverage giant Coca-Cola of dismissing the state's efforts to improve its recycling standards.

According to thewest.com.au, the environmental group is frustrated with Coca-Cola for "lobbying" against a container recycling scheme and scheduling closed briefing sessions with Liberal MPs.

Piers Verstegen, director at The Conservation Council of WA, said  "Western Australia has the lowest recycling rate of any mainland state.

"Community groups around WA are ready to help fix that, but Coke is blocking them every step of the way."

As part of a cash for can scheme, beverage manufacturers are charged a levy for each can or bottle they produce, and consumers are paid a small amount for handing containers in to recycling points.

South Australia has the longest running scheme and boasts recycling rates up to four times that of Western Australia.

Verstegen told thewest.com.au that Coke is trying to stop the community from improving its recycling standards and is calling on political parties to disclose any donations they've received from beverage manufacturers.

"This is a clear case of a multinational company putting its profits ahead of local community groups and charities who would directly benefit from a recycling refund scheme," he said.

 

Send this to a friend