TOMRA Cleanaway, the NSW State Government-appointed Network Operator of the new Return and Earn Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), today announced that leading Australian supermarket Woolworths will be the first retail refund partner when the program launches on December 1st, 2017.

Under the CDS, consumers will be able to return eligible beverage containers for recycling in exchange for a 10-cent refund.

The arrangement with Woolworths aims to provide up to 180 collection points in metro and regional areas of NSW.

Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) kiosks will be located across the state for the return of eligible containers. Consumers will be able to choose to donate their refund directly to selected charities or receive the refund via electronic payment to their registered account.

Customers can also use a credit voucher issued by the RVM towards their shopping at Woolworths or simply redeem for cash in Woolworths supermarkets* across NSW.

Markus Fraval, Director, Strategy & Business Development, TOMRA Collection said; “We are pleased to have the state's largest retailer, Woolworths on board as the first partner to be announced to provide redemption locations for residents to receive their refund.

“This will help support the delivery of the scheme in time for the December 1st launch. It will also provide customers with convenient RVM locations where they can drop off their containers and then redeem their vouchers at a nearby Woolworths supermarket.

The NSW Government introduced the CDS as a further initiative to help reduce the volume of litter across the state, with an expected reduction of 40% earmarked by 2020.

The RVMs provide an efficient recycling system, which ensures containers are collected free of contamination so they can be recycled multiple times in ‘closed loops’. Containers returned to the RVMs are collected by Cleanaway and processed through a sorting centre in Western Sydney. The containers are then sold into both domestic and export markets for reprocessing.

Steve Greentree, Managing Director, Woolworths FoodCo, said; “As one of Australia’s largest retailers we are committed to supporting 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.

The exact locations of the RVM kiosks will be announced closer to the launch date.

*With the initial exception of Woolworths Metro branded stores