There have been mixed reactions to the new Return and Earn reverse vending machine installed in Tura Beach.
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While some have appreciated the 10 cent refund on their cartons, cans, plastic and glass bottles – others have claimed the time and effort it is not worthwhile.
Containers must be empty, undamaged and have the original label attached to be scanned as eligible.
To fund the state government scheme, wholesalers have raised the price of bottles and cans by 13 to 15 cents which local sellers have had to pass on to customers.
Tura Beach retiree Chris Young said the issue “raised his hackles from day one” naming the scheme “return and recoup” after the scheme has hiked taxes on beverage suppliers as a result to cover the cost of the operation and administration.
“We have to scrabble about with empty, smelly drink containers to try and recover part of the increased cost of drinks,” he said.
“My perspective is that we should do what they have done in Victoria, which is make bins available and use public communication to train people to use them. Victoria is actually the cleanest state in Australia because of that.” Mr Young has not been impressed by the NSW government initiative, shocked that the machine does not accept containers that are crushed or without a label.
“This is a new tax, someone has very carefully designed a new tax under the guise of cleaning up the state,” he said.
“The guise of cleaning up the state doesn't work if you can’t put damaged containers into the reverse vending machine.”
A Tura Beach woman who did not wish to be named was disappointed with the limitations of the return benefit, although said she “would rather the money in her pocket than someone else’s”.
“I bring my recyclables every week, even if I only receive a $2.50 voucher I will collect them all together.
“If I can then buy my husband and I a roast to put on the table at the end of every month, that makes me happy,” she said.
“It is annoying that you can’t scan the barcode and use the voucher at the self-serve checkouts, which would be a lot more convenient if you could. I also think you should be able to use the vouchers at Woolies service stations for petrol.”
- HAVE YOUR SAY, email claudia.ferguson@fairfaxmedia.com.au