Bondi beachgoers will be rewarded for recycling throughout January with the chance to win great prizes through an Envirobank machine.

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said Council will set up an Envirobank reverse vending machine from 10 to 31 January near the Bondi Pavilion. “It's just one of our many initiatives to help reduce plastic litter on our beach. Every time you recycle a can or plastic drink container with the Envirobank, you have a chance to win a range of prizes as well as help our environment.

“The Envirobank complements our wider strategy to reduce this type of waste. Other initiatives include the installation of ‘out and about’ recycling bins and new water refilling stations along the promenade. Since 2007, plastic bottle litter at Bondi Beach has dropped over 23%, which is great news and Council will continue to find ways to tackle plastic litter and encourage recycling.

“This is a serious issue but we thought we'd inject a bit of fun into to the matter. You can win funkystainless steel water bottles, special offers from local businesses such as Sejuiced, Lush on Bondi and Bondi Surf Seafood and 10 MP3 players are also up for grabs. Another one of the prizes is a refillable Pilot Pen, which has its barrel made with PET from recycled plastic bottles.

“The Envirobank is a modern way to encourage recycling. It's easy, fun and the technology ensures every bottle and can collected by the machine has a positive impact on the environment,” Mayor Betts explained. “Unlike recycling bins, the Envirobank can identify non-recyclable material and crunch cans and bottles on site. Each machine holds up to 3000 cans and 600 plastic bottles.”

Clean Up Australia Day founder Ian Kiernan congratulated Waverley Council on this innovative way to encourage recycling.

“Australians are great recyclers, but we could still do better,” Ian Kiernan said. “In South Australia where there has been a cash-for-containers scheme in place for over 30 years, recycling rates are almost double what they are in other states.

“Rubbish also affects tourism. International visitors don't want to come to Sydney's most famous beach to see cigarette butts, bottles and drink cans.

“Increased recycling rates means keeping valuable resources out of our landfills, I encourage everyone to support this initiative to keep our beaches clean this summer.”

Recycle for rewards at Bondi Beach