Since the scheme launched on December 1, 2017, 5.5 million containers have been returned through Wagga’s “reverse vending machines”. Ranking in the top third of the state for recycling, Wagga’s reverse vending machines regularly have queues of people waiting for their 10 cents per can and bottle, with the lines linger on weekends. The scheme is also popular in Tumut, with 1.6 million containers recycled.

People with bags full of hundreds of empty containers are a common sight at Wagga’s two reverse recycling machines and Wagga woman Robyn Crouch, who recycles cans and bottles for charity, said there was a clear need for more machines.

“I’ve raised about $600 so far, but some people can’t be bothered to wait so they give me their bottles or just put them straight in the bin, it’s not worth their while to stand in line for an hour,” Ms Crouch said. “The longest I’ve waited is a bit over an hour, but I pick my times so it’s usually about 15 or 20 minutes.”

A bulk recycling machine set up by Vinnies in Nowra was a great idea, Ms Crouch said.

“There was a guy at Gurwood Street on Sunday night, he had 20 bags full and the machine stopped halfway through because it was full,” she said. “It would be fabulous if we had a bulk machine, Wagga needs it and I think we’re big enough. Everyone says we need more machines.”

However, details of additional reverse vending machines have been scarce. When The Daily Advertiser asked Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton’s office if Wagga would get more machines, the question was passed on to the NSW Environment Protection Authority. The EPA then passed the question on to recycling operators Tomra Cleanaway, which eventually referred the question back to the EPA.

“People can proactively register their interest in hosting a new reverse vending machine at www.tnsw.com.au,” a Tomra spokesman said. “The Tomra team will then get in touch to see if the proposed site meets all the requirements necessary for a reverse vending machine.”

An EPA spokeswoman said the agency was “conscious of the demand” and would continue to liaise with Tomra Cleanaway.

But it remains unclear if, or when, Wagga will see any additional machines.

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