Return and Earn machines becoming dump sites in Dubbo

Jennifer Gordon travels to Dubbo about once a month to dispose of the bottles and cans her children collect. But on Monday the Victoria Park reverse vending machine filled up before Ms Gordon reached the front of the line, and she had to take her recyclables home again.

Rubbish, including recyclable bottles and boxes, has been seen overflowing from bins and trolleys beside Victoria Park’s machine.

Ms Gordon said it was “frustrating” that an initiative designed to help the environment was resulting in litter.

“Especially when it's windy, because the bins are so full,” she said. “There should be a lot more bins.”

Dubbo’s machines have been in high demand since Return and Earn commenced last year. Almost 1.6 million containers have been collected at the Victoria Park machine, with 1.1 million received at Delroy Park.

Ms Gordon said the scheme’s popularity demanded another machine.

“It’s a bit ridiculous,” she said. “Usually they’ll have one glass one and one plastic one not working.

“Last time I waited here for an hour but that was okay because I encourage the recycling. But when you're waiting because there's only two working, it is annoying.”

Dubbo MP Troy Grant said it was “extremely disappointing” people using the machines were “leaving their rubbish behind”.

“My message is think about your community, be more responsible and take your rubbish with you.”

Mr Grant said an over-the-counter collection point would be established in Narromine “soon after Easter”, with a third machine to be considered for Dubbo “once areas that do not currently have access have the service installed”.

A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesperson said “Network Operator TOMRA Cleanaway is ensuring bins are provided at each reverse vending machine and TOMRA staff are attending and cleaning sites every day”.

Members of the community can report litter, full machines or other machine issues to TOMRA Cleanaway on 1800 290 691.