IN just over four months, Jack Cunich could be sitting on a gold mine, thanks to the NSW Government’s container deposit scheme.

Under the new program, Jack will be rewarded with more than $6 for every kilogram of aluminium cans he redeems, up from the 70 cents a kilogram he currently receives.

Jack said his desire to protect the environment inspired him to set up a mini community recycling system a few years ago, with the added bonus of earning some extra pocket money.

“So many things that can be recycled get thrown out with the rubbish or left behind in parks, so every little bit you do helps the environment,” he said.

“Our neighbours and friends now save all their aluminium cans and once I get about 5,000, I take them to the scrap metal recyclers in Newcastle and cash them in.”

Jack said he will be expanding his recycling project to include all eligible PET, glass, steel and aluminium drink containers later in the year.

Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, said the scheme will provide a funding bonanza for community groups and charities.

‘‘These groups already do great work in our communities, so I’m sure that this great new fundraising opportunity will be welcome,’’ he said.

‘‘Every year in NSW around 160 million drink containers are tossed into our environment, making up about 49 per cent of all litter volume, and costing about $180 million to clean up.”

From 1 December, anyone who hands in an eligible drink bottle or container at a designated collection point will be rewarded with a 10 cent refund,

Mr Bromhead said the scheme is expected to almost halve the millions of empty bottles and cans left at NSW parks, beaches and waterways within the next three years.

More details about the scheme, including how and where to redeem eligible containers, will be made available in the coming months.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN