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Reverse Vending Machines – Container Deposit Scheme

The NSW Government’s Container Deposit Scheme, known as ‘Return and Earn’, commenced on 1 December 2017 and is being implemented across NSW.

The scheme is run by the Environment Protection Authority, (EPA) and its Network Operator TOMRA – Cleanaway, who together are ensuring that over the counter collection point operators are properly established, trained, resourced and effective.

A new ‘Return and Earn’ Reverse Vending Machine has been installed at the car park of the Australian Hotel at McGraths Hill and is now operational. Reverse Vending Machines allow users to redeem up to 500 containers per transaction. The user then has the option of donating the refund to a chairty, transferring the refund to their PayPal account, using a special MyTOMRA smartphone application which can be downloaded on the Google Playstore or iTunes App Store Store. Alternatively, the user can opt to receive a
Woolworths voucher.

The NSW Government will inform the community as more Reverse Vending Machines are installed.

Reverse Vending Machines aim to complement the collection service that is being provided by the smaller over-the- counter collection points.

There are currently seven small over-the- counter collection points in the Hawkesbury which can accept 100 containers or less at a time:

 Friendly Grocer, Shop 7/162 Golden Valley Dr, Glossodia
 The Rail Cafe, Shop 11/16 East Market St, Richmond
 Windsor Newsagent, 162 George St, Windsor
 Food Works, 503 George St, South Windsor
 Khan’s General Store, 95 Pitt Town Rd, McGraths Hill
 Hawkesbury Bakehouse, Shop 4/64 Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong
 Wilberforce Newsagency, Shop 5, Wilberforce Shopping Centre, King Rd. Wilberforce.

In addition to the above over the counter collection points, Windsor Metal Recyclers, at 20/124 Ham St, South Windsor, is a local collection point that accepts bulk drop offs (more than 100 at a time). This business has indicated to Council that they have had a very positive response since the Container Deposit Scheme commenced. Windsor Metal Recyclers has received over 210,000 containers to date, making them the
largest ‘over-the- counter’ site in NSW.

Windsor Metal Recyclers is also in the process of installing a machine which will be capable of processing hundreds of containers in minutes, creating a quick and easy way for residents to return containers.

A map of all the collection points in the Hawkesbury can be found on www.returnandearn.org.au For more information visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/environment/waste-management/waste-and-
recycling/return-and-earn

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