Forbes’ Return and Earn reverse vending machine was only installed on October 7 and it’s already received 461,900 containers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 10c container deposit scheme has now been running for a year – and Central West residents have claimed almost $5 million back.
That’s $46,000 back to Forbes – and of course locals could have contributed to the 3,770,053 items returned through the Parkes reverse vending machine before our own was installed in Sam Street.
The initiative commenced on December 1 last year and it offers the community the chance to earn a 10-cent refund on cans and selected plastic and glass bottles.
Important to note now that the local machine is up and running, is that Forbes community, charity, school and sporting groups can apply to feature as a local donation partner on the machine to receive donations from people returning their containers.
More information about how to become a local donation partner and about Return and Earn in general is available at: www.returnandearn.org.au
A NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) spokeswoman said the scheme had been embraced by the community across the State.
There’s an estimated one third less container litter out there as a result.
Like many industries, Return and Earn is expecting a Christmas / New Year peak with an increase in average return volumes.
“We encourage people to plan ahead for their Return and Earn experience and check the website for details of return points nearest to them including whether reverse vending machines are nearing capacity,” she said.
The EPA spokesperson said possible closures were anticipated over the festive period but dates were still being finalised.
Last year the network was closed on Christmas Day and reopened Boxing Day, but check returnandearn.org.au for updates.
The Forbes machine operates 7am to 10pm seven days a week.
What’s accepted: The majority of containers covered under the scheme are beverage containers from 150ml to 3 litres.
Containers can be made from aluminium, glass, HDPE, liquid paperboard, PET or steel.
Glass containers for wine or spirits, plain milk or flavoured milk and juice containers of one litre or more, are among items that are not eligible for Return and Earn. Details on the website.
