The Return and Earn reverse vending machine kiosk is the second to be unveiled in Port Stephens, after the Medowie kiosk was installed last month.

“The Return and Earn Scheme is helping the NSW Government reach its goal to reduce litter volume by 40 per cent by 2020,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said.

The kiosk has been installed at Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, as part of the state government’s container deposit scheme rollout.

People will be able to choose to donate their refund directly to selected charities or transfer it to their designated account.

People will also be able to redeem the refund for cash from Woolworths supermarkets or use a credit voucher towards their shopping at Woolworths across NSW (except Metro branded Woolworths stores).

Cr Jaimie Abbott welcomed the addition of a second vending machine.

“I think it’s great to teach kids when they are young about the importance of recycling and give an incentive to earn some pocket money on the side,” she said.

“It is also an opportunity for charity to get on board with the scheme.”

Drink containers eligible for the 10-cent refund include most containers between 150ml and three litres. Containers should not be crushed or broken and have the original label attached to be eligible for the refund.

The state opposition has criticised the government for the “slow roll-out” of the kiosks that it said were too few and far between.

“People in regional NSW who are trying to do the right thing by the environment are going to have to get in the car and drive long distances to drop off their containers,” Opposition spokeswoman for environment Penny Sharpe MLC said.

“For many people that will hardly be worth the cost and they will give up.”

For more information on the scheme visit www.returnandearn.org.au and www.tcnsw.com.au.