Beverage suppliers, the waste and recycling sector and the Griffith 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 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, 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 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:
15 November - Griffith
22 November - Orange
24 November – Queanbeyan
25 November – Southern Highlands
