In a bid to curb the amount of litter that is finding a way into waterways, the NSW government will launch its ‘Return and Earn’ container refund scheme on December 1.
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Between Yass, Queanbeyan and the Southern Highlands there will be five collection points.
A mix of refund over counter and reverse vending machines, the five points, which are part of 200 around the state, will pay 10 cents per container.
Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said more collection points for the new scheme, called Return and Earn, would be finalised as the scheme rolled out.
“This scheme will make a massive difference reducing litter in our environment,” Ms Upton said.
“This is the first step in rolling out more than 500 collection points across NSW.
“The roll out of reverse vending machines as part of a state-wide scheme is a first for Australia.”
Collection Points
- Woolworths in Queanbeyan, Crawford Street and Antill Street
- Vinnies at Moss Vale, 502 Argyle Street
- Vinnies at Mittagong, 22 Bowral Road
- Woolworths at Mittagong West, 197 Old Hume Highway
- Woolworths at Yass, 250 Comur Street
Ms Upton said people returning eligible containers at over-the-counter locations would receive a cash refund while reverse vending machines would give people the option for an electronic transfer using PayPal, a cash refund or an in-store credit at a local retail partner and an option to donate it to selected charities.
“This is something that the community has been asking of their political representatives for decades and the NSW Government is delivering it,” Ms Upton said.
“Almost 50 per cent of litter by volume is made up of beverage containers.
“Return and Earn will capture 43 per cent of this litter.
“It is the largest litter reduction initiative to be introduced in NSW and everyone will be able to collect refunds.
“The scheme will help to reduce the 160 million bottles that are littered in our environment every year.”
The Cancer Council, St Vincent de Paul, Surf Life Saving NSW and Planet Ark will be the first four charities featured on reverse vending machines from December 1.
Charities, community and sporting groups, schools, and other not-for-profit organisations can also register their interest to become a donation partner under the rotation system.
The map of collection points is available at: www.returnandearn.org.au
WHICH CONTAINERS CAN BE RETURNED FOR A REFUND?
The Environment Protection Authority says:
Most 150ml to three litre drink containers will be eligible for a 10 cent refund at an approved NSW collection point.
Container materials that may be eligible for a refund include: Glass, Plastic, Aluminium, Steel, Liquid paperboard (cartons).
Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label attached.
Wine, spirits, cordial and plain milk containers are generally not eligible. If a container isn't eligible for a refund, please use a recycling bin.
