Maitland has its first Return and Earn collection point, with residents able to take their glass and plastic bottles to Tenambit Takeaway for a cash refund.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The takeaway shop kicked off the over-the-counter container deposit scheme service on Friday, with owner Darren McConville saying they faced a busy debut over the weekend.
“A lot of people have been very happy with it,” Mr McConville said.
He said he was looking forward to the process being “streamlined” after the hectic launch.
Mr McConville said people looking to cash in can do their part to make the process easier.
“If they’re coming here, they need to realise we are running a business here as well,” he said.
“Someone has to stand here and count every individual bottle or glass.”
If they’re coming here, they need to realise we are running a business here as well...Someone has to stand here and count every individual bottle or glass.”
- Tenambit Takeaway owner Darren McConville on the Return and Earn scheme
He said people can help by separating their glass bottles, soft drink cans and plastic containers, and removing lids as well.
Recyclables cashed in at the shop will be stored there before being picked up by TOMRA Cleanaway, the organisation charged with operating the network of collection points throughout NSW.
The takeaway food store is one of 500 of collection points set to operate around the state, in conjunction with 800 return and earn machines.
Three of the machines are located in the Hunter at Medowie, Mayfield and Salamander Bay.
The Tenambit Takeaway is the only Lower Hunter site operating so far, with no collection points as of yet in Kurri Kurri or Cessnock.
Most un-crushed plastic drink containers between 150ml and three litres will be eligible for a refund.
Details about eligible containers and return and earn locations can be found at returnandearn.org.au
Want to let us know what you think? Send a letter to the editor at lowerhunter@fairfaxmedia.com.au