Reverse Vending Machine Waste Bins Removed

The Bellingen Shire community is to be commended for its recycling efforts and embracing the use of the Connell Park Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) located in the Connell Park Carpark.

However due to complaints regarding the visual impact and general misuse of the bins to include dumping of rubbish adjacent to the facility, along with health and safety concerns, Council has contacted TOMRA Cleanaway and requested that all bins be removed from this location. The bins will be removed the week beginning 12 November 2018 in an endeavour to address the ongoing complaints and illegal dumping issues.

All items excess to containers for the RVM should be taken home with you again and placed in the correct kerbside bin or taken to the Bellingen Transfer Station, the Raleigh Waste Management Centre or Dorrigo Waste Management Centre.

Unfortunately, due to the extent of complaints anyone found leaving waste around the Reverse Vending Machine, including recycling, will be fined.

The Reverse Vending Machine accepts containers between 150ml and three litres. They need to be in good condition (not broken or crushed), be empty and have the label attached. The containers can be made of:

Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr Dominic King said, “Most people using the machine are doing the right thing but the small minority are ruining it for everyone else. This means we have no choice but to take more extreme actions to keep Bellingen beautiful.”

Please report any issues with the machine or litter to TOMRA Cleanaway on 1800 290 691.