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The landmark agreements will see Exchange for Change and TOMRA-Cleanaway appointed as the Scheme Coordinator and Network Operator respectively.

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“Return and Earn will be an environmental game-changer for the Penrith, Nepean and Blue Mountains environment,” Stuart Ayres said.

“This is the biggest initiative to tackle litter in the state’s history – it will be easy to use, accessible and good for the environment. It will make a huge difference to the amount of rubbish on our streets, parks and waterways across our community.”

The scheme’s main features include:

• More than 500 collection points across the state, including in remote towns of more than 500 people and at 270 sites across the Greater Sydney Region
• The network will include more than 800 reverse vending machines across NSW
• The 10-cent refund will be provided as either cash, electronic transfer or a voucher for in store redemption
• Eligible containers include most glass, cans, plastic and paperboard drink containers between 150 millilitres and three litres – those often found in the litter stream.

The Scheme Coordinator will ensure the refund is paid through the network Operator. The Network Operator will run a network of collection points across the state, including more than 800 reverse vending machines.

The large-scale roll out of reverse vending machines is a first for Australia. The Queensland scheme is set to follow next year.

NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the Return and Earn scheme would be a convenient and rewarding system for everyone.

“It will provide a fundraising opportunity for charities, schools, community and sporting groups, which share in millions of dollars every year in places where similar schemes have been running for decades,” Ms Upton said.

Eligible drink containers can be refunded for 10-cents from 1 December when Return and Earn commences.