NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced if re-elected, he will introduce reverse vending machines across the state as part of a container deposit scheme for the recycling of drink containers.
Under the Baird Government’s preferred model, consumers, or a charity of their choice, would receive a small financial reward for depositing a drink container in a reverse vending machine.
“We estimate that at least 800 reverse vending machines will be installed across NSW – offering communities the opportunity to be rewarded for contributing to positive environmental outcomes in the places where they are most needed,” Baird said
Environment minister Rob Stokes said the government has decided that a state-based scheme, using reverse vending machines and targeting containers that are predominantly consumed away-from-home, will be both cost efficient and effective.
“Beverage containers currently account for one in every three pieces of litter, polluting our beaches, parks and waterways,” Stokes said.
“Our container deposit scheme will complement, rather than compete with, our existing kerbside recycling system and help the government achievement our ambitious litter reduction and recycling targets.
“Over the next 12 months we will consult with the community and industry on how we will implement a scheme, which will be underpinned by a comprehensive cost benefit analysis.
“The final design of the container deposit scheme will be announced in 2016, and will include the use of reverse vending machines and an incentive for the community to participate.”
The consultation with the community and industry will focus on:
- The location of reverse vending machines;
- The incentive for community participation;
- The scope of containers to be redeemable under the scheme; and
- The involvement of local government and the recycling industry in the scheme.