Despite Return and Earn having operated since December, the government MP would still like a buffer, between the Murray River and south of Wagga, where the scheme does not apply.

“Without Victoria participating there’s an area along the border where there’s differences,” Mr Aplin said.

“(Due to that) I would still stand by the requirement for a buffer zone so that we’re exempt from the container deposit scheme in this area

“Of course it’s hard, but it’s a solution which is a more practical long term solution than any of the other issues that have been raised.”

NSW Labor Opposition environment spokesman Penny Sharpe, who visited Albury at the weekend and spoke to IGA grocer Bob Mathews, is willing to consider a boundary change.

“I think we need to look at what the options are in places like Albury and places along the border where there is close proximity to Victoria which allows people to buy stuff cheaper across the border, bring it back and drop their cans in NSW,” she said.

“I’d be looking at different options, whether that’s a boundary change or an area where it doesn’t operate I’m open to those.”

Mr Mathews says the time for a buffer zone has passed.

“I think it’s too late for it now,” Mr Mathews said.

“Let’s face it, the consumers in Albury have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on prices under the container deposit scheme so far and a buffer zone, what does that mean?”

Mr Mathews, who has linked with other drink sellers along the border, says their priority is “compensation from the government due to the damage being done to retailers”.

Meanwhile, the IPART has begun an inquiry into the scheme and is planning to hold two public hearings, one in Sydney and other in an undecided regional centre.

Mr Mathews and Mr Aplin would like Albury to host it, to ensure cross border problems are well canvassed.