More than five million drink containers have been cashed-in across the Illawarra since Christmas, with some of the region’s Return and Earn reverse vending machines (RVMs) setting daily volume records.
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The region’s massive post-Christmas/New Year collection volumes came as the NSW government’s Return and Earn container deposit scheme itself set a new daily record on January 2, when 6.8 million drink containers were returned across the state.
A number of Illawarra RVMs had record daily collections over the festive period, including those at Woolworths Corrimal, Fairy Meadow’s Fraternity Club and the Port Kembla Golf Club on January 2.
Data obtained by the Mercury has revealed 5,147,101 containers were deposited into 16 RVMs across the Illawarra between Christmas Day and January 20.
The RVM that collected the most containers during that period was at the Dapto Showground (521,444), closely followed by Woolworths Wollongong (513,125) and Woolworths Corrimal (482,572).
A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokeswoman said Return and Earn had been well received in the Illawarra, with more than 42.9 million containers collected at the region’s RVMs since the scheme began.
“The Illawarra has helped contribute to more than 1.2 billion containers collected statewide since December 1, 2017,” the spokeswoman said.
The Return and Earn scheme offers a 10-cent refund for every eligible can and bottle returned.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Woolworths Corrimal 482,572
- Woolworths Kiama 228,638
- Warilla Bowls & Recreation Club 389,500
- Coles Berkeley 461,161
- Dapto Showground 521,444
- Coles Warrawong 312,899
- Albion Park RSL 432,829
- The Links Shell Cove 110,416
- Port Kembla Golf Club 61,952
- Thirroul Bowling Leagues & Recreation Club 99,346
- The Fraternity Club (Fairy Meadow) 462,712
- Woolworths Bulli 281,898
- Woolworths Shellharbour 440,331
- Jamberoo Golf Driving Range 53,862
- Killalea National Park/Reflections Resort 294,416
Containers collected at Illawarra RVMs between December 25 and January 20. Source: NSW Environment Protection Authority
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
