The NSW Government’s Return and Earn Container Deposit Scheme commenced in December 2017. Under this scheme, people can return eligible beverage containers for recycling in exchange for a 10-cent refund. The scheme aims is to reduce the volume of litter in NSW by 40% by 2020 and increase recycling of glass and plastic containers.
The community environmental and social benefits of the scheme are:
- Environmental benefits with less litter in our parks and waterways;
- community benefits with more incentive to recycle and earn funds for community programs;
- Refunds can be directed towards local charities; and
- Recycled containers become part of a circular economy that extends the life of these materials and reduces our reliance on natural resources.
When the scheme started, Lane Cove Residents had an option to exchange their containers at three retailers. Two of those retailers no longer exist and the other retailer stopped collecting.
Since early 2018, Lane Cove Council has been working with TOMRA and Cleanway (the network operators of the Scheme), to assess a number of sites within Lane Cove to host a Reverse Vending Machine. None have been accepted due to TOMRA’S criteria regarding clearance, manoeuvring areas and separation to houses.
Little Street Car Park
A Site has now been found. A reverse vending machine will be located at the Little Street Carpark. It will be located on the left-hand side before the boomgate.
When selecting a suitable location for the Reverse Vending Machine, Lane Cove Council has considered safety, truck movements and customer convenience. The ground floor of the Little Street Car Park complies with these criteria and is a high traffic area with ample parking and easy lift access.
Installation of the Reverse Vending Machine will require the relocation of two disabled car spaces on the ground floor, near the lift entrance. These spaces will be re-located to the opposite side of the ground floor carpark, ensuring the total number of disabled car spaces are maintained.
Two car spaces will be available immediately adjacent to the unit for users of the Machine.
The operators will pay Lane Cove Council a hosting fee $6,000 (plus GST) per annum and an additional $250 (plus GST) per annum for electricity costs associated with the machine’s operation.
The Machine will be a single unit with one opening that can accept glass and one opening that can accept plastic bottles and aluminium cans. Customers will have the option to donate their refund to charities or redeem funds directly to their own account.
When Will the Reverse Vending Machine Be in Place?
The Reverse Vending Machine is expected to be operational by mid-November 2019.
Well done to Lane Cove Council for persevering on this issue. The operator of the scheme were shown many sites and rejected them all.
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