Doing the right thing with used drink bottles will soon come with a financial reward in Medowie. The system works like a vending machine only in reverse: Users insert the used aluminium cans or glass and plastic bottles, to receive a 10 cent credit per item.
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The user can chose to have the money credited to their bank account, collect a Woolworths voucher or donate the proceeds to charity. A conveyor system sorts the containers into the correct bins inside the kiosk, which is a converted shipping container, for collection and recycling. Containers should not crushed or broken and have the original label attached to be eligible for the refund.
“This scheme will be easy and convenient for people to use,” the Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC said.
“It will be a game-changer – it will make a major contribution to helping the NSW Government reach its goal to reduce litter volume by 40 per cent by 2020.”
Mr MacDonald refuted that the kiosks were lousy timing. In August it was revealed that hundreds of thousands of tonnes in used glass has been warehoused rather than recycled because new is cheaper. He said the real success was in litter reduction.
“[The refund] has a proven record in other states of getting containers off the streets,” he said. “The disposal following collection is an ongoing challenge for the waste industry.”
Aluminum cans used to be the tidy money earner for children roaming the suburbs. At 10 cents a pop the Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer said the refund could quickly add up.
“It’s a great opportunity for charities, schools and community groups and we’re very happy to see it here in Medowie, the first in Port Stephens,” he said. “Before long I think we’ll see some Girl Guides picking up bottles and earning some money.”
Similar kiosks have long operated in Norway. Tomra, which holds the state government contract, began the rollout in Sydney. Medowie is just the 14th site. The system will come online in Medowie on December 1, located in the Woolworths car park.
Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the rollout was starting now because it was a massive logistical exercise.
“This is proof that Return and Earn is coming to a suburb or town near all of us. There are plenty more to be installed across the state in the coming weeks,” Ms Upton said.
