Armidale will finally join other Northern Tablelands’ communities this week by having its own recycling machine where people can get a 10 cent refund for bottles and cans.
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The Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) will be located at the Armidale Community Recycling Centre and it will be open to the public on Friday.
Mr Marshall said while five communities (Moree, Bingara, Inverell, Glen Innes and Guyra) in his electorate now had a collection point, he said he shared the community’s frustration over the delay installing a RVM in Armidale.
“I have been assured by the scheme operator that the machine is being installed tomorrow, and that residents will be able to claim deposits on stockpiled containers by the end of the week,” he said on Tuesday.
“Apparently there was a hold up with site work that needed to be done at Armidale to make room for the RVM.”
Mr Marshall was in Guyra Tuesday to try out the new RVM there, with a number of local youngsters and encouraged locals to begin collecting their cans to claim the refund.
“After weeks of stockpiling cans, cartons and bottles, most residents in the Northern Tablelands now have a quick and easy way to claim their deposit,” Mr Marshall said.
“The RVM at Guyra’s community recycling centre has collected hundreds of containers in its first week and it seems that people across the region are enthusiastic about the scheme.
“I’ve even received a report about one enterprising young recycler from Moree who, after spending the start of the school holidays collecting thousands of containers, has earnt over $250 for his hard work.”
Mr Marshall encouraged local schools, charities, and community or sporting groups to sign up to the scheme.
“After returning containers, users can elect to claim their deposit or donate it to a good cause,” Mr Marshall said.
“Today, I chose to donate the deposit to the NSW Cancer Council and when local groups are available, I’ll make sure my 10 cent refund goes their way.”
The recycling centre in Glen Innes opened late last year:
With the Guyra and Armidale RVM’s fully operational from this week, automated refunds will now be available in Moree, Inverell, Glen Innes and Guyra.
Bingara locals can access a refund over the counter at IGA. Guidelines dictate that containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have their original barcode attached.
Mr Marshall said that his request for additional collection points in Uralla, Bundarra, Ebor, Boggabilla, Mungindi, Ashford, Emmaville and Deepwater had also been approved.
“Northern Tablelands residents deserve the right to claim back container deposits with minimal inconvenience, whether their community is big or small,” Mr Marshall said.
“Following my request, the Minister responsible has promised that all those communities will have a collection point by the end of February. I’m also working to secure secondary deposit points in larger centres.
“When fully rolled out, this scheme will help keep our region beautiful, supply valuable funding to community groups, and reward those who do the right thing.”
Consumers and community groups can find further details on collection points and on signing up for the scheme at www.returnandearn.org.au.
