Community News

New Grafton Return and Earn ideal for fast refunds

The official opening today of a ‘Return and Earn’ automated depot at the old Grafton brewery site has been welcomed by Clarence Nationals MP, Chris Gulaptis.

Mr Gulaptis said it was terrific to see a bulk container deposit collection point open in Grafton to complement the two reverse vending machines already operating at Grafton Shoppingworld and near the Coles Service Station in South Grafton, which have collected more than 33 million containers.

“Bottles, cans and cartons make up a large proportion of the litter on our streets, beaches and green spaces, and it is important we do everything we can to tackle the problem.

“The Return and Earn container deposit scheme is a great way to reduce litter and be rewarded for our efforts.

“Container Return Grafton has been operating for around six weeks already and in that time has already collected more than half a million containers with an average of around 80,000 each week,” Mr Gulaptis said.

The automated depot features fast-counting singulator machines to process eligible drink containers and 10 cent refunds quickly and efficiently.

Mr Gulaptis said the great success of this new return point shows the popularity of the Return and Earn container deposit scheme in the Grafton area.

“Return and Earn is the state’s largest litter reduction initiative and I am thrilled that the community is embracing this scheme.”

Container Return Grafton operator Keith Gregor, said: “This is a fantastic development as people using the depot are now becoming more aware of litter and recycling opportunities. It is also encouraging conversations around what to do with our waste and recycling.

“The project’s success so far means we are striving for a better future for my kids and grandchildren.”

Mr Gulaptis said that Return and Earn has fundamentally changed the way people think and act about litter in NSW.

“Since Return and Earn was introduced in December 2017 it has collected more than 2.3 billion containers across NSW and has reduced the volume of eligible container litter by more than half,” he said.

“In addition, the scheme has created more than 500 jobs and helped to raise more than $440,000 in donations for charities, schools, community and sporting groups across NSW.”

For more information about Return and Earn, including a return point map and eligible drink containers visit: www.returnandearn.org.au

Thecontainer return Grafton automated depot is located at 160 North Street, Grafton and is open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4pm and Saturday 7.30am to 3pm.