Since the Return and Earn reverse vending machine became operational in the Scone Woolworths car park on December 1, there have already been 292,050 containers returned. 

Those figures are from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), who says the machine in Scone is currently averaging 10,500 containers each day.

The scheme has been heavily criticised for sending the price of a carton of beer up an extra $4 and there has been community upset over machines becoming full and unable to be used for quite some time.

An EPA spokesperson said the machines do fill up, but Network Operator TOMRA Cleanaway receives an electronic notification as they near capacity.

“They are emptied on a regular basis, and as demand requires,” they said.

“Members of the community can report full machines or other machine issues to TOMRA Cleanaway on 1800 290 691.

“Network Operator TOMRA Cleanaway has also ensured that bins are provided at each reverse vending machine and TOMRA attend and clean sites every day.”

The statistics also show that about 83 per cent of people are choosing the payment option for a receipt for cash at a local retail partner or an in-store credit, about 17 per cent are using PayPal as an electronic transfer and about 0.5 per cent are donating the refund to selected charities.

State-wide, the container deposit scheme has already passed the 42 million returns mark. 

For more information and a list of eligible drink containers, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.