Your empty cans can now fill up your bank account with Canberra’s first solar-powered reverse vending machine launching today as part of an upgrade to the ACT’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).
The machine is located at the Erindale Shopping Centre in Wanniassa and will run for a trial period of six months from today, Wednesday 19 January.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said Canberrans have done a “great job” embracing the CDS program as more than 298 million containers have already been recycled through the scheme since it began in 2018.
However, there are still many containers that are not being recycled through the program, and the reverse vending machine is a convenient and accessible way for more members of the public to participate.
“A new reverse vending machine will be tested at Erindale to see if it provides a convenient alternative, in addition to the existing Return-it collection shopfronts and drop-off points around Canberra,” Mr Steel said.
“Reverse vending machines are used across border in NSW, and I am pleased we have been able to respond to feedback from Canberrans, who would like to access them here.”
Open seven days a week, the machine allows people to insert their intact and non-crushed containers and receive an immediate refund deposited directly into their Re.Turn It account.
Operating from 9am until 5.30pm, there will be on-site customer assistance during the first three months.
The machine is capable of holding up to 8,000 containers at a time, requiring only 10 minutes to be emptied.
“Next time you’re returning eligible containers in the Tuggeranong region, try out the Erindale reverse vending machine to get 10 cents back per container, while helping the environment at the same time,” Mr Steel said.
The new machine grows the number of container return locations in Canberra to 20.
To use the new return point, Canberrans can follow these steps:
• Go to www.actcds.com.au to set-up a Re.Turn It account
• At the reverse vending machine, scan the QR code, which will recognise your Re.Turn It account and let you start redeeming containers
• Follow the sorting instructions – specify either glass or ‘all other material’ types
• Once redeemed, payments will be made online via your Re.Turn It account
For more information on the ACT Container Deposit Scheme, visit www.actcds.com.au.
Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
