Condong Return & Earn

By Jonathon Howard

BOTTLES AND cans have been flying into Return and Earn sites across the Tweed, with more than 172 million containers deposited since December 2017.

An Environment Protection Authority (EPA) spokesperson updated The Weekly on the program after the Murwillumbah Return and Earn site was shifted from its Tweed Valley Way location in South Murwillumbah to Condong Bowling Club.

The spokesperson said the move related to the redevelopment of the former railway site.

“Return and Earn machine has been relocated to Condong Bowling Club, as the former location is being redeveloped,” the EPA spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added the EPA did not foot the bill for the move and that the network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway, “is responsible for any costs associated with the relocation of the machine”.

“The location of machines is selected by the network operator after assessing a number of factors including community needs, access issues and safety,” the spokesperson said.

The EPA highlighted that Tweed Shire residents have returned more than 172 million containers since December 2017.

“Tweed Shire residents are enthusiastic participants of Return and Earn,” the EPA spokesperson said.

“We expect the relocated machine to be live and ready to accept eligible containers by next week, pending electrical and additional site works.

“We encourage the public to download the Return and Earn app or visit the Return and Earn website to check the live status of the machine before visiting.”