Queenslanders can look forward to cleaner parks, beaches and public areas as the state now has a container refund scheme and a ban on plastic shopping bags ready to start next year.

State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan said the Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017 that introduces Queensland’s container refund scheme and plastic shopping bag ban was passed by State Parliament this week with bipartisan support.

“This reflects the overwhelming support for both the refund scheme and the plastic bag ban, both of which will come into effect on 1 July 2018,” Mr Ryan said.

“Many of the most passionate advocates for these reforms are Queensland school children and by passing this Bill we say to our young people that we value our wildlife, including marine creatures like turtles, sea birds and dugongs.

“We say that we want our parks, our waterways, Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef to be litter free.”

The container refund scheme will see most drink containers between 150ml and 3 litres eligible for a 10 cent refund, although some containers are exempt, such as those for plain milk, wine and pure juice.

Refunds will be available when empty eligible containers are returned to designated container refund points, including reverse vending machines, across the state.

Similar container refund schemes have been operating in South Australia and the Northern Territory for many years, with New South Wales set to bring in a refund scheme later this year.

Mr Ryan said the State Government would continue to work closely with beverage manufacturers, retailers, local government, industry, and the community to ensure a smooth transition to and operation of the container refund scheme and plastic bag ban.

More information can be found online at www.ehp.qld.gov.au/waste.