Beverage suppliers, the waste and recycling sector and the Armidale community are invited to have their say about the NSW Government's expansion plans for the Return and Earn scheme.
Information sessions are being held throughout NSW this November, providing an opportunity to give valuable feedback on the plans to accept more types of containers, including glass wine and spirit bottles.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director, Liesbet Spanjaard, said they want to hear from every corner of the state as we look to build on one of Australia's most successful recycling initiatives.
"We know the New England region for its rich pastoral lands and fresh produce, as well as its amazing food and wine," said Ms Spanjaard.
"I want to thank the community in Armidale for embracing this scheme, who since 2017 have already returned nearly 45 million eligible bottles.
"By expanding this scheme, we could see an additional 400 million eligible bottles recycled in NSW each year, helping to reduce litter and create a cleaner Armidale environment.
"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 150ml to 3L being included, except for plain milk and health tonics. This would include glass wine and spirit bottles, cordial containers and larger juice bottles. The sessions are designed to seek feedback on specific issues for suppliers and the supply chain, required support as well as timeframes for implementation. To register for one of the information sessions, select one of the following options:
8 November - Hunter Valley
10 November - Armidale
15 November - Griffith
17 November - Albury
22 November - Orange
24 November - Queanbeyan 25 November - Southern Highlands
