STATE government-appointed Return and Earn network provider, Tomra, has rejected a proposal to install a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in Paterson.
Since March last year, locals have tried to persuade Tomra to install an RVM, similar to those in Dungog.
Paterson locals can drive 33km to Dungog, only to find that the machine is not working.
People on the western side of the Shire will travel to Maitland.
But recycling containers in other areas means transporting bulky boxes and bags on trips for shopping or work.
The communities of Paterson, Vacy and Gresford have lobbied hard to persuade Tomra but communications with the Norwegian multinational company have stalled.
The proposal was for an RVM to be installed near the school, on land owned by the Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which is currently leased by Dungog Shire.
Paterson Progress Association (PPA) has Council permission to install the RVM with Councillor Alexandria Carruthers particularly supporting the proposal.
The PPA applied to Tomra for the RVM installation in August 2024.
That was rejected two months later on the basis it was only for “a low proportion of the NSW population”.
“The bottom line is that the PPA cannot get a straight answer on what the actual ‘nuances’ are which prevent us from having [an RVM],” Zoltan Lyall said.
Tomra suggested taking containers to bulk recycling in Cardiff or that the PPA, a small volunteer organisation, has its “staff” run a manual facility, open seven days a week.
The PPA explained why those options weren’t viable, and asked for clarification of why their proposal was rejected.
They have enlisted the help of MP Dave Layzell, but as yet there has been no progress.
By Lisa WISEMAN
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