Reverse Vending Machines Sydney What You Need to Know

 An empty drink bottle does not necessarily have to go into the recycling bin at home.

In NSW, eligible drink containers can be returned through the Return and Earn scheme. People receive a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned through a participating collection point.

One option available in Sydney is a reverse vending machine.

What Makes It "Reverse"?

The name gives you a clue.

A traditional vending machine gives you something after you pay. A reverse vending machine takes something from you instead.

You feed an eligible empty container into the machine, it processes the return, and the applicable refund is provided through the collection system.

There are conditions, though. Under Return and Earn, containers need to meet the scheme's eligibility requirements. Service NSW states that eligible containers need to be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have their original label attached. Not every bottle, can or carton qualifies.

If you have a bag of containers sitting at home, it is worth checking the eligibility requirements before making the trip.

Why Put a Machine in Sydney?

Convenience is a big part of recycling.

People are more likely to use a collection point when it fits into their normal routine. A reverse vending machine gives users a self-service option for returning eligible containers and receiving the applicable refund.

There are already reverse vending machines operating in the City of Sydney. The council currently lists self-service machines at the ground-floor car park behind Kings Cross Police Station and in the Sydney Park Alexandria car park.

For organisations researching reverse vending machines in Sydney, the machine itself is only one part of the decision.

Where will it be installed? How will people access it? What volume of containers is expected? Who will manage servicing and collection?

Those questions matter when assessing whether a particular site is suitable.

Considering a Reverse Vending Machine?

For a business, council, facility or organisation looking at reverse vending, start with the site rather than the machine.

Think about the people who use the location. Look at the likely volume of containers. Consider access, available space, servicing and how the machine would fit into the surrounding area.

Ausbox provides reverse vending machine services in Sydney, giving organisations an option to investigate when considering this type of recycling equipment.

Source: Reverse Vending Machines Sydney What You Need to Know