Goulburn now has a second reverse vending machine giving locals a chance to recycle and pocket a few extra dollars.
The Return and Earn Container Deposit Scheme has been operating out of the Goulburn Woolworths carpark for a number of months, but a second collection point has just been opened at the Goulburn Gateway Service Station on the corner of the Hume Highway and Common St.
Member for Goulburn, Pru Goward says, “I’m pleased that Goulburn has been so supportive of the scheme, at the last count we have seen over 1.5 million units recycled from the Goulburn Woolworths site.”
Queues are not uncommon at the Woolworths facility as people look to turn cans and bottles into cash, with the machines dispensing vouchers for eligible containers deposited.
“Return and Earn is the largest litter reduction initiative to be introduced in NSW, and now there are more collection points for people to be involved,” Ms Goward says.
Children, families, and pensioners have all been taking part, with some locals taking to sporting grounds after big events to add to their piggy bank.
Aside from pocketing the 10 cent refund for each container, people can also choose to donate their refund directly to charities, most recently the Tathra Bushfire Appeal benefited.
NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the Goulburn Gateway collection point is one of more than 565 sites across the state, with more to be rolled out in the weeks to come.
“There has been widespread community support for Return and Earn, with over 278 million containers returned across the state since December 1,” Ms Upton says.
Most drink containers between 150ml and three litres are eligible for the 10c refund. Containers should be intact (not crushed or broken) and have a readable barcode to be eligible. Patrons will receive a docket redeemable for cash at Woolworths supermarkets or an electronic transfer using PayPal at the machines.
*This article first appeared on RiotACT