UNSW installs 'Return and Earn' reverse vending machine

| 15 Feb 2018

UNSW is the first University in NSW to install a reverse vending machine for refunds on recycled bottles and cans under the New South Wales Government’s new Container Deposit Scheme. The scheme, launched on 1 December 2017, aims to reduce litter by 40 per cent by 2020.

Through the Return and Earn scheme, staff, students and neighbours can now earn 10 cents for every eligible drink container you return at the new bottle return facility located near the Old Main Building entrance (K15) next to the Physics Lawn. 

This facility will not just help reduce litter and provide a refund facility for the UNSW community, but will also help reduce the amount of disposable containers from going into the general waste stream.

Most empty 150ml to 3-litre beverage containers are eligible for a 10 cent refund. Container materials that may be eligible for a refund include plastic, glass, aluminium, steel and liquid paperboard cartons. 

Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label attached. Wine, spirits, cordial and plain milk containers are generally not eligible. If a container is not eligible for a refund, please use a recycling bin. 

Be sure to check the eligibility of your containers before you take them to the facility.

The 10c refund can be claimed via the machine as a digital refund, where you receive a refund to your account via PayPal; as a retail refund: receive a voucher which can be redeemed for cash or put towards shopping at Woolworths supermarkets; or as a refund which you can donate directly to a selected charity or community fundraiser.