According to the office Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton over 870,000 drink containers were returned on Boxing Day across the state.

On New Year’s Eve, Goulburn users reported on social media the machine had reached capacity at around 9am and by 10.30am it had been emptied and was up and running again. 

An Environment Protection Agency spokesperson reported the Return and Earn collection points had collected 18 million containers on the first day of 2018.

Return and Earn reverse vending installed near Woolies, Goulburn

Pru Goward: Disappointed over absence of Return and Earn in Goulburn

However it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the machine, state wide, many have criticised the system for inadequate recycling bins next to the machines and the fact that users are dumping ineligible containers next to the reverse vending machines. 

A spokesperson from the EPA said the network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway, is ensuring bins are provided at the reverse vending machines and will be attending and cleaning sites every day.

“As well as returning eligible containers, people should make sure they put any rubbish in the bins provided or take any ineligible containers and packaging home with them to dispose or recycle where they can,” the spokesman said.

“Everyone needs to do the right thing with their own litter”. 

The EPA spokesperson said TOMRA Cleanaway deploys teams daily across NSW to review the sites.

“TOMRA Cleanaway has increased its clean-up efforts and put additional support arrangements in place,” the spokesperson said.