A stoush has developed over the Return and Earn machine in Kootingal, after the State Government announced plans to relocate the infrastructure to another location.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
On Tuesday a spokesperson for the NSW Environmental Protection Agency confirmed the reverse vending machine (RVM) will permanently close on October 7 "due to its lower community demand when compared with other locations", however a spokesperson for Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said "it would not be closing."
"Kevin has spoken to Environment Minister Matt Kean, and told him he wants this to stay open," they said.
"There's been letters of representation to the minister and phone calls to ensure it will stay - Kevin is fighting hard for it to stay."
Read also:
Since 2018 the Kootingal RVM has processed 2,252,844 containers, and issued $225,284 in refunds, however the two Tamworth based machines have both eclipsed the 10 million container mark, while Callala has recorded just under 6 million.
A NSW EPA spokesperson said network operators Tomra Cleanaway are "working to optimise and ensure that return point locations are providing good community access", which "can include moving machines to areas that require infrastructure to service growing community requirements."
Kootingal IGA owner Peter Summers, where the machine is located, said "the community needs this in the local area because they won't drive kilometres into town - they will just get thrown out the window."
"They will end up on the side of the road, and in the bins and someone should be accountable for that.
"We should support local."
Residents became aware of the plans to remove the RVM when signs were apparently installed last week, however those signs have since been removed.
An over-the-counter service will continue to operate out of the Kootingal North Store.
