Woolworths becomes Return andEarn's first retail partner
Up to 180 reverse vending machines will be positioned at or near Woolworths supermarkets across the state by 1 December when the container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, starts cashing in containers, Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton announced today.
Return and Earn’s Network Operator TOMRA Cleanaway has appointed Woolworths as its first retail partner. This agreement will see up to 180 reverse vending machines positioned at or near Woolworths supermarkets across the state by 1 December with more to come in early 2018.
“This retail partnership means the scheme will be accessible and easy for people to return their empty containers and receive their refund,” Ms Upton said.
“This is the first step in rolling out more than 500 collection points across NSW – the roll out of reverse vending machines as part of a state-wide scheme is a first for Australia.”
People will be able to choose to donate their refund directly to selected charities or transfer it to their designated account. People will also be able to use a credit voucher towards their shopping at Woolworths or redeem the refund from all Woolworths supermarkets across NSW (except Metro branded Woolworths stores).
The reverse vending machines at or near Woolworths supermarkets will make up part of the state’s collection network which will include more than 500 collection points of reverse vending machines and manual collection points. The majority of these collection points will be rolled out by 1 December.
“This agreement will provide customers with convenient reverse vending machine locations where they can drop off their containers and then redeem their vouchers at a nearby Woolworths supermarket,” TOMRA Collection Strategy & Business Development Director Markus Fraval said.
The participating Woolworths store locations will be finalised in the coming weeks.
“As one of Australia’s largest retailers we are committed to initiatives that help improve and protect the environment. The agreement with TOMRA Cleanaway will ensure consumers have the option to support this NSW State Government sustainability initiative, with convenient locations to return their containers and claim their refund,” Woolworths FoodCo Managing Director Steve Greentree said.
For more information, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.