Extra collection points have been established in Uralla to assist residents with recycling the extra plastic bottles and containers from the bottled water alert.
Bulk 10 to 15-litre water containers can now be recycled at the FoodWorks Uralla water distribution station with residents being encouraged to drop off their empty containers when they arrive to collect further water supplies as needed.
Smaller water bottles - up to three litres - can be recycled through Uralla’s new Return and Earn collection point at The Trader Store, 31 Hill Street.
“These collection points will help to make recycling much easier for our community,” Acting General Manager Mr David Aber said.
“With a large amount of water bottles being distributed to residents and businesses, our aim is to make recycling as accessible as possible so recyclable bottles don’t end up in landfill."
Residents are reminded that to be accepted at the Return and Earn station, bottles must be empty and clean, in good condition (not crushed), and have the label attached.
Each eligible bottle is worth 10 cents.
Due to the volume of containers being received, The Trader Store requests that residents remove bottle caps prior to dropping off at the Uralla Return and Earn collection point.
Tara and Nathan Whitton, owners of The Trader Store, have advised Council that their business is collecting the bottle tops for a charity which processes the plastic into prosthetic limbs for children.
The Trader Store Return and Earn will operate from Monday to Friday from 2:00pm to 4:30pm, and Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm midday.
Hard plastic bottles and containers can also be recycled in residents’ yellow kerbside recycling bins. W
While Council does not currently have facilities to recycle soft plastic the bottles are packaged in, it reminded residents that soft plastics (2 HDPE and 4 LDPE) are recyclable through the REDcycle program. The nearest REDcycle collection point is in Armidale outside the Coles supermarket.
Council would again like to take the opportunity to thank residents for their volunteer efforts at the water distribution sites and for their patience as the underlying issue is resolved.
“The health and safety of the community is our first priority,” Mr Aber said.
“The bottled water alert will remain in effect until we are satisfied with consistent results that the town water supply meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.”
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