Bellingen Shire Residents can now Return and Earn

“Return and Earn” was an election promise from the NSW government to reduce the amount of drinking container litter in the environment. This scheme aims to reduce the volume of litter by 40% by 2020.  The Container Deposit Scheme began on 1 December 2017 with the NSW EPA appointing Exchange for Change as the scheme coordinator and TOMRA Cleanaway as the network coordinator.

There are currently over 400 collection points in NSW with Bellingen Shire’s Reverse Vending Machine commencing operation on Saturday 4 August. Previously residents who wanted to redeem their 10 cent deposit had to drive to Nambucca Heads or Sawtell to redeem. Council agreed at its May Meeting to negotiate and enter into an agreement with TOMRA Cleanaway to place a reverse vending machine in the carpark at Connell Park.

“It’s great that residents will now be able to redeem their 10 cents in our shire instead of travelling to Nambucca Heads or Sawtell.  The scheme also has a litter reduction component which will be beneficial for our environment”, said Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr Dominic King when he tested out the machine last Saturday.

Bellingen IGA is a redemption partner which means that vouchers from the machine can be redeemed for cash or an instore credit. Other options include receiving a direct deposit to your registered PayPal account via the myTOMRA app or you can donate your refund to a charity, school or community group featured on the machine.

Residents are encouraged to report any issues with the machine to TOMRA Cleanaway via email [email protected] or by calling 1800 290 691.

Containers that are returned should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label attached. Generally wine, spirits, cordial and plain milk contains are generally not eligible. For further information on what can and can’t be redeemed visit http://returnandearn.org.au/.     

For more information please contact Molly Odgers, Waste Management Coordinator on 6655 7300.