The NSW Government's Container Deposit Scheme, Return and Earn, is due to roll out across the State from Friday, December 1, however many locations, including Gloucester, are left without collection points.
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In October, Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton announced that up to 180 reverse vending machines (RVM) would be positioned at or near Woolworths supermarkets across the State by December 1.
TOMRA Cleanaway had appointed Woolworths as its first retail partner, with an agreement that up to 180 machines would be positioned across the State by December 1 with more to come in early 2018.
“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,” Ms Upton said.
However, Gloucester, Taree, Forster and Tuncury Woolworths aren’t listed as having a collection point and according to a spokesperson from Woolworths, the company doesn’t manage the roll-out of this program and is unable to provide any information about if and when the machines will be installed.
The spokesperson suggested the Gloucester Advocate contact the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for more information.
A spokesperson for the EPA said, “The NSW Government is working closely with the network operator, TOMRA-Cleanaway to continue rolling out collection points. This is just the start of the roll out – many more sites are currently being finalised.
“More than 200 collection points across NSW are available online at www.returnandearn.org.au.”
The Gloucester Advocate contacted TOMRA Cleanaway for an update about collection points for the region but has not received a response at the time of publication.
Once a RVM is in place, people will be able to choose to donate their refund directly to selected charities or transfer it to their designated account.
Find out what you can and can’t get a refund for here.
People will also be able to use a credit voucher towards their shopping at Woolworths or redeem the refund from all Woolworths supermarkets across NSW (except Metro branded Woolworths stores).
The reverse vending machines at or near Woolworths supermarkets will make up part of the State’s collection network which will include more than 500 collection points of reverse vending machines and manual collection points.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
