An information session will be held in Griffith on Tuesday, November 15 to give the community, beverage suppliers, and waste and recycling sector to offer their feedback about the NSW Government’s expansion plans for the Return and Earn scheme.
The expansion plans involve accepting more types of containers, including glass wine and spirit bottles.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director, Liesbet Spanjaard said they wanted to hear from every corner of the state as they look to build on one of the country’s most successful recycling initiatives.
“We know Griffith as an important agricultural hub of the Murray Darling Basin, for its rich culture, and for its amazing food and wine,” Ms Spanjaard said.
“We want to work closely with the wine and beverage industry to make sure any changes are achievable and contribute to more sustainable operations across NSW.
“I want to thank the community in Griffith for embracing this scheme, who since 2017 have already returned nearly 50 million eligible bottles.
“By expanding this scheme, we could see an additional 400 million eligible bottles recycled in NSW every year, further boosting the circular economy, and reducing landfill and litter.
“Glass bottles would make up almost half of that increase, boosting our recycling rates and supercharging our push towards a circular economy and net-zero NSW by 2050.”
Expansion of the scheme would result in all beverage containers from 150 mL to 3L being included, except for plain milk and health tonics.
It would include glass wine and spirit bottles, cordial containers and larger juice bottles.
Register to attend the information session at The Quest, 53 Railway Street between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesday, November 15 at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/proposed-changes-to-nsw-return-and-earn-griffith-tickets-448757936067
Feedback will be sought from businesses on:
- Specific issues for suppliers and the supply chain;
- Ideas on the support required to include more drink containers; and
- Timeframes for implementation.
You could also register for an online information session at cds.haveyoursay@epa.nsw.gov.au. The consultation will be open until 5 pm on December, 2.
Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway and more than 8 billion bottles have been returned since the scheme began. Search for ‘Return and Earn’ in the App Store to download the app.
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