The state government’s new 10 cents refund scheme on bottles and cans got off to poor start in St George, with several retail outlets quickly pulling out.
Another shop owner, who was happy to continue to be involved, said people were mainly bringing in containers that would normally be deposited in their household recycling bins
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The state government named nine locations in in St George where people could gain refunds.
Gourmet Butchers in President Avenue, Monterey, which was on the list told the Leader, they had cancelled.
“Not anymore...because we are very busy,” a shopkeeper said.
[The 10 cents deposit scheme] was too hard and confusing.
- Eunice Xu, manager of One 2 One Cafe
Eunice Xu, the manager of One 2 One Cafe in Mulga Road, Oatley, said they had withdrawn because “it was too hard and confusing”.
Ms Xu said the requirements – that containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label attached – were too complicated.
She said the business would also have faced difficulties in ensuring the collected recyclables were securely stored, so they couldn’t be stolen, she said.
In contrast, AdventureCo, in Frederick Street, Oatley, collected 600 cans and bottles in the first three days after the scheme started on Friday.
AdventureCo runs similar programs, recycling everything from disposable coffee cups to toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes, and also makes and sells Boomerang Bags.
Proprietror Andrew Taylor, who started the business about a year ago, said he had heard other shops had pulled out.
One man had said he had tried three other outlets, none of whom remained involved.
“I think the scheme is pretty good because it will probably make people more conscious about recycling,” he said.
“But, it doesn’t address the real litter problem.
“The majority of people are bringing in containers that would normally go in their kerbside recycling bin.”
WHICH CONTAINERS CAN BE RETURNED FOR A REFUND?
The Environment Protection Authority says:
Most 150ml to three litre drink containers will be eligible for a 10 cent refund at an approved NSW collection point.
Container materials that may be eligible for a refund include: Glass, Plastic, Aluminium, Steel, 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 isn't eligible for a refund, please use a recycling bin.