Under the scheme, residents will be able to present an eligible drink container to a collection point or reverse vending machine and receive 10 cents.

Regional towns with a population of more than 1000 will receive a collection point, and another is required for every additional 20,000 people – meaning there should be at least three across Albury. 

A NSW EPA spokeswoman said the organisation appointed as network operator last week would be finalising locations during coming months.

“TOMRA-Cleanaway will be negotiating with and appointing collection point operators,” she said.

“Local businesses and providers who are interested in becoming a collection point may register their interest with the NSW EPA.

“The EPA will continue to engage with councils regarding the implementation and roll-out of Return and Earn.”

Albury Council Deputy Mayor Amanda Cohn said the Albury Waste Management Centre was not yet confirmed as a location for a collection point but was a likely contender.

“Anyone will be able to return drink containers for a 10 cent refund – that’s going to apply to PET, HDPE, glass aluminium and steel,” she said.

“I’ve visited countries overseas where there are container deposit schemes and they have reverse spending machines set up – they work very effectively.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to keep rubbish out of the natural environment and a real incentive for people to do the right thing.”

Cr Cohn said being deployed with the SES during the 2016 floods highlighted for her how much rubbish made it into waterways.

“When the river went up, there was all sorts of rubbish in the water and I certainly saw plastic soft drink bottles as part of that,” she said.

“From a council point of view, we strongly support protecting the environment.

“The remaining concern is as a cross-Border community, is making sure the Victorian government comes into line with NSW.”

Victoria has expressed opposition in recent years.

- ELLEN EBSARY