Australia could get a national scheme to recycle 11 billion drink bottles tossed in bins every year, if federal and state environment ministers agree to a plan on Monday.
Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam said it was an "obvious measure" that his party and 16 environment groups were encouraging ministers to agree on the plan at a meeting in Darwin.
"Monday's meeting represents the best opportunity yet for environment ministers to step up and be counted, and finally listen to the overwhelming public call for a nationwide scheme," he said.
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The Greens say a scheme would be inexpensive, simple to roll out and could employ up to 2000 people.
Drop-off centres in convenient locations would see 80 per cent of containers recycled and accept other problem wastes such as batteries and electronic items.
Senator Ludlam also wants the federal government to release modelling and a peer review report, believed to back a deposit scheme.
