MEMBER for Bega Andrew Constance has welcomed Premier Mike Baird’s announcement that a re-elected Liberals & Nationals Government will introduce reverse vending machines across the state as part of a cost-effective container deposit scheme for the recycling of drink containers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Constance said that if re-elected, the Baird Government will introduce reverse vending machines by 1 July 2017 to help communities look after their local environment by being better equipped to tackle litter and increase recycling.
“I recently visited our region’s Environmental Education Centre and was shocked at the volume of litter that was collected in a 100 metre stretch on our local roads,” Mr Constance said.
“People can be lazy and down right ignorant when it come to their rubbish. I would hope that the incentive to collect a few extra dollars might see some think twice before throwing their bottles and cans out the car window.
“Kids up and down the coast used to collect cans and return them to the local scrap metal dealer for a bit of pocket money. There was an incentive to pick up rubbish and keep our local communities and waterways clean, and we are aiming to return that incentive.
“Under this exciting new initiative, communities will be rewarded for their recycling efforts through the use of reverse vending machines at popular parks, waterways, beaches and other public spaces across NSW.
“Reverse vending machines will be installed in our region – offering our communities the opportunity to be rewarded for contributing to positive environmental outcomes.
“We will be consulting with the community on the key aspects of the scheme, including:
- The incentives for the community to participate in the scheme;
- The location of reverse vending machines; and
- The role of our local councils and the recycling industry in contributing to the scheme.
“If re-elected, I look forward to working with you in helping develop the scheme and delivering better environmental outcomes for our local community.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that has listened to strong community concerns about litter and will introduce a container deposit scheme in just over two years.
“Under Mike Baird’s leadership, we have the ambitious goal of having the lowest litter rate in the nation and a container deposit scheme will be a crucial element in achieving that goal.”