A South Windsor business has collected more than one million drink containers in the first nine months of the Return and Earn scheme, ranking it in the top three collection points in NSW.
Windsor Metal Recyclers has been a collection point under the scheme since it started on December 1 of last year, and at the 999,999 bottle count owner Ken Bleakley invited Hawkesbury Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett to drop off the millionth container last week.
The number has seen Windsor Metal Recyclers make it into the top three largest over-the-counter collection sites in NSW, and employ more staff to help manage the scheme.
“It’s fantastic news for our community that so many people are supporting the Return and Earn program, which ultimately means less litter and better environmental outcomes for our community,” Cr Lyons-Buckett said in a statement.
“Windsor Metal Recyclers has been popular with local residents because they have the advantage of providing a cash payment and being able to accept bulk drop offs.”
Windsor Lions president Ron Coleman joined Cr Lyons-Buckett for the drop-off, as Windsor Lions has collected thousands of containers as part of the scheme.
Hawkesbury MP Dominic Perrottet told the Gazette the program had been “very effective in helping our environment by reducing landfill, litter on our streets and helping with recycling”.
Returned containers are recycled and turned into a range of other products, including new cans and bottles, fencing, garden furniture, flooring and aggregate materials for road base.
The scheme allows the public to receive a 10 cent refund on eligible bottles and cans they drop off at collection points such as Windsor Metal Recyclers.
Other over-the-counter sites in the Hawkesbury are: Windsor Newsagency, Khan’s General Store in McGraths Hill, Wilberforce Newsagency, The Rail Café and Clean Xpress Car Wash in Richmond, Hawkesbury Bakehouse in Kurrajong, and Friendly Grocer Glossodia.
There are also three reverse vending machines located at the Australian Hotel and the Aventus Centre in McGraths Hill, and the Bligh Park Tavern in South Windsor.
For more information, visit: tinyurl.com/yatbcywc or returnandearn.org.au.