At its meeting this morning (May 23), Bellingen Shire councillors approved the proposal to install an RVM at Connell Park, with Deputy General Manager Corporate and Community Michelle McFayden noting that the operator of the container deposit scheme, TOMRA Cleanaway, was standing by ready to go.

“It won’t be long before you start seeing some action in Connell Park,” she said. “Like, tomorrow.”

The Return and Earn litter reduction scheme, which began in December last year, enables people to redeem 10 cents per eligible container at collection points across NSW.

Most 150ml to three litre drink containers made of glass, plastic, aluminium, steel and liquid paperboard (cartons) count as “eligible”.

Wine, spirits, cordial and plain milk containers are generally not eligible.

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What’s in and what’s out

Containers need to be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label attached. 

Unlike the scheme in South Australia, the reverse vending machines do not give cash, they give a voucher that can be used in selected stores.

In Bellingen, the IGA has agreed to be a redemption partner.

Alternatively, people can choose to have their refund donated to one of the following national charities: Planet Ark, St Vincent de Paul Society, Cancer Council NSW or Surf Life Saving NSW. 

Currently, the nearest collection point for Bellingen Shire residents to access their refunds is the Sawtell Hotel.

Three locations were proposed for the RVM –  the Bellingen Transfer Station, the “Telstra carpark” off Church Street, and the carpark in Connell Park near the entry to the Bellingen High School –  and the latter was chosen as the most suitable.

This was “due to its visible location, passive security requirements, lighting and the carpark currently being generally underutilised, with the exception of home game days in the soccer season”, the agenda item for the meeting said.

There is no cost to council as cleaning, maintenance and servicing of the RVM is the responsibility of TOMRA Cleanaway, as is the day-to-day operation.

In fact, council’s waste budget will benefit to the tune of $9000 per annum from the licence fee that is payable.