YOUNG entrepreneurs Laura and Tyler Grant have made the most of Armidale’s first Reverse Vending Machine.
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Residents can trade bottles, cans and cartons for 10 cents a piece.
So far, Tyler and Laura have made $53.70.
“I saw it on the news that the machine was in Gunnedah and thought it would come here,” Tyler said.
“I started collecting cans out at Peterson’s and I’m saving to spend money in the holidays.”
The machine opened at the Community Recycling Centre on Monday.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said residents can expect a second machine in town in the next four weeks.
But, the location is still unclear.
“We’ve seen already a lot of young people in the community busy over the school holidays collecting their cans, collecting off neighbours, friends and family and making quite a tidy amount of pocket money,” Mr Marshall said.
Negotiations are underway with landowners and businesses to find a spot for the second machine.
The location will need to be secure, close to town with sufficient parking.
More than 50,000 containers have been collected and recycled in the New England electorate since December 1.
The scheme will have a positive impact on the environment, Mr Marshall said.
“These items now have a value attached to them so people are not going to throw them out in the first place,” he said.
“If they do, young people, sporting clubs and individuals are going to see them, collect them and claim the refund.”
The money from recycled goods can be claimed as cash, a PayPal deposit or a docket to discount grocery shopping.
It can also be donated to statewide charities like the Cancer Council or Saint Vincent de Paul.