It’s the second venue in town, following the installation of a similar facility on Sydney Street, in front of Pursehouse Rural and Barn Vets.

Acting general manager Fiona Plesman said council had been working hard to deliver a Return and Earn machine at the shopping centre.

“We have been negotiating with the network operator for some time and are delighted that the machine is now operational and in such a practical, easy-to-access location,” she said.

“Residents can opt to receive a voucher, which can be spent or redeemed for cash at Muswellbrook Woolworths, an electronic transfer using PayPal at the machine or choose to donate their refund directly to local charities.

“Return and Earn is the largest litter reduction initiative to be introduced in NSW and compliments council’s kerbside recycling services.”

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the program had been a great success.

“The Muswellbrook community indicated they wanted a second Return and Earn machine,” he explained.

“In this case, the success and the usage of the first Return and Earn vending machine located on Sydney Street warranted a second machine in town, as the Muswellbrook machine at Pursehouse Rural Supplies has already received 1.1 million returns. 

“While the [Muswellbrook Shire] council chose the actual positioning of this machine in the Marketplace car park, the state government was more than happy to provide it for the benefit of residents.”

Most empty 150mm to 3-litre beverage containers are eligible for the 10 cent refund.

Containers should be intact, not crushed or broken, and have a readable barcode.

For a full list of eligible drink containers, visit www.return and earn.org.au