Cashing in but messing up

The machine, located in the carpark of Woolworths Granville, processed more than 9.8 million plastic, aluminium and glass drink containers in its first 12 months, and neighbour Charlie Hanna, says a plan to move it to the other end of the carpark can’t happen soon enough.
He said the machine, which is only separated from the fence line by a pedestrian walkway, is always busy and attracts vermin including rats, cockroaches and stray cats.
“It’s a joke,” he said.
“It shouldn’t have been be installed so close to the fence. I’ve been to four other sites and there are no residents nearby, they are all in industrial areas or in carpark basements.
“People just don’t seem to care. They come to exchange their bottles and bring their household rubbish along as well and just dump it. You have to wonder what is wrong with people and where the Aussie spirit has gone.
“I’ve spent countless hours cleaning and picking up rubbish myself, but no-one else seems to care about the mess.”
Cumberland Councillor Ola Hamad said she was sympathetic to the concerns raised by nearby residents and shoppers.
“While return and earn is a great initiative and should be encouraged, it is imperative that we take pride in where we live. To do that, we must prioritise cleanliness of public spaces,” she said.
A Woolworths spokesperson said they are “in discussions with the relevant parties” about the Return and Earn facility.
Tomra, which operates the machines on behalf of the State Government, had not responded before deadline.