Wagga is firming to welcome a new era of recycling practice but concerns are being raised over whether the state government’s Return and Earn scheme will roll out by the promised December deadline.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The recycling scheme, which encourages residents to deposit eligible containers at collection points in return for monetary refund, was slated to be 85 per cent complete by December 1, 2017.
Specific kiosk locations are yet to be determined around the city of Wagga however an EPA spokesperson told The Daily Advertiser a collection point map would be forthcoming from network operators TOMRA and Cleanaway.
“The roll out of Return and Earn is a massive logistical exercise,” the spokesperson said.
“Collection point locations … will be announced as they are finalised.”
The spokesperson did not confirm whether Wagga would see sites by the promised December 1 date but said kiosks were currently being constructed across the Riverina for community benefit.
“Many sites have already been installed from Medowie to Bulli and from Vincentia to Tumut,” the spokesperson said.
“In addition to being able to receive a 10-cent refund for eligible containers at collection points, residents can also continue to place eligible containers into their kerbside recycling which may result in downward pressure on waste charges or improved waste services in their area.”
Labor’s Penny Sharpe supports the initiative but remains concerned.
“The community wants a container deposit scheme but they still don’t know where they will be able to take their bottles and cans for a refund,” the Shadow Environment Minister said.
“Consumers in rural and regional areas look set to miss out on the much needed collection points as it appears that only half the promised collection points will be ready in time.
Member for Cootamundra Stephanie Cooke unveiled her electorate’s first kiosk on Thursday and reaffirmed other locations would be finalised in the coming weeks.
However Ms Sharpe called for state-wide guarantees.
“The Minister for the Environment must give consumers across NSW assurances that the collection points will be in place and that rural and regional areas will not be denied the ability to get a refund on their cans and bottles,” she said.
