TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator for Return and Earn has proudly delivered a new trial that promises to make recycling easier in the Riverina.
A new ‘takes-all’ trial allows those in Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera to no longer need to pre-sort containers. Since the NSW container deposit scheme commenced on 1 December 2017, more than 110 million eligible drink containers has already been recycled by enthusiastic locals.
Instead of the need to sort glass bottles from other containers, now locals will be able to return drink containers through any single chute at the machines.
The upgrade is in effect at Foodworks Griffith Return and Earn machine on Banna Avenue, Woolworths Leeton’s Return and Earn on the corner of Wamoon Avenue and Palm Avenue, and Narrandera in the car park of 16 Red Hill Road.
Since the scheme began, Griffith residents have returned over 73.32 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons at return points.
More than 32.7 million containers have been processed at Leeton while 10.755 have gone through chutes at Narrandera.
“These improvements to local return points will make it even easier and quicker to return your eligible bottles and cans and pocket the refund,” TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said.
Resident Gail Suine said the change will make recycling easier over the festive period.
“It’s good knowing I don’t have to sort them; I can just bag up and bring them down,” she said from the Griffith North Woolworths machine on December 17.
“I like doing it; it helps recycling and gets rid of all the rubbish. It will also be good heading into Christmas.”
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While the improvements are handy for some, it’s expected that those undertaking large-scale recycling, such as the Binya Public School, will continue to use the bulk container recycling, Griffith Return and Earn Depot operated by Vinnies.
The Binya Public has been collecting recyclable bottles and cans from local events and reinvesting the funds back into the school.
On average the school generates about $220 per load.
According to Binya Public School P and C Secretary Danae Conlan, the Griffith Return and Earn Depot provides an easy and efficient mechanism for the school to gain their container refunds,
“Sometimes we’re able to drop them off, the workers process them and the funds go directly into the account.
“It’s been a great way to invest money into the school, especially as Binya Public is kindergarten to year six with one teacher,” she said.
“But if you only have a few cans and bottles, the improvement at the supermarket locations is perfect for families and a good way for youngsters to make pocket money,” she said.
The Griffith Return and Earn Depot enables bulk container refunds quickly without the need to sort
Since Return and Earn began in 2017, more than 12.5 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling through a network of over 650 return points in NSW.
This article first appeared in The Area News.
