Businesses owners, sporting clubs and residents in Yarra Junction have labelled the recently opened reverse vending machine an “accident waiting to happen” over concerns surrounding traffic and pedestrian safety.
Cafe owner Sue Cordina said the current location of the reverse vending machine was not suitable and it should be relocated.
“I think it needs to go. I think it needs to be relocated somewhere else. I don’t think it’s suitable, and I also don’t think the facility is big enough for the area,” she said.
The reverse vending machine located at 2467 Warburton Highway opened a day after the popular community refund point at the Little Yarra Ranges Egg Farm was shut down by the network operator, Visy, on 18 December.
Individuals and businesses would cash in on recyclable containers at the egg farm as part of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), which could process large quantities of recyclables.
But as users of the old site flock to the new reverse vending machine in Yarra Junction, its flaws have been laid bare.
Ms Cordina, who runs Red Relish Cafe just two doors down from the reverse vending machine, said the arrangement was posing a safety threat to pedestrians and cars.
“So there are only four parking spaces out the front of all the shops. That has to service the bike shop, the cafe, the tattoo parlor and the post office, so you can imagine how busy those spots are.
“It’s a danger where cars have to overtake and go around on the other side of the road because obviously emptying the skips isn’t a fast process. They’re here for, you know, 20 minutes, 25 minutes sometimes.”
Yarra Ranges Council approved a planning application for the reverse vending machine last October.
Council planning and sustainable communities director Kath McClusky said the permit required the site to “not negatively impact the area’s amenity, including how materials and goods are transported to and from the site”.
Meanwhile, the site’s collection truck parking arrangement, a large water leak from the building confirmed by Yarra Valley Water and loud noise have raised concerns.
“While this permit condition exists to prevent litter and other issues at the site, it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that their rubbish and recyclable items are disposed of correctly.”
“Council does not manage the reverse vending machine, which is owned by Container Deposit Scheme Victoria and managed with Visy recycling,” Ms McClusky said.
Visy is the network operator for the CDS Vic North Zone and manages refund points in the area.
The Star Mail contacted Visy for comment, however Visy told the Star Mail it would no longer be responding to enquiries surrounding the matter.
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish has sought to represent the community’s complaints surrounding the shutdown of the egg farm and the new reverse vending machine.
“It’s been a really big fight that I’m trying to continue on behalf of the people, not just at the egg farm, but the local community who got behind it,” she said.
“The government wants people to recycle, to use the container deposit scheme and get their 10 cents. They want people to do that.”
Ms Cordina said the loud noise caused by the truck as it collects recyclables was “absolutely frightening”.
“Imagine that big skip bin full of glass being emptied into the back of the truck and what the sound is. It’s louder than a car accident.
“On Saturday, we had a full house out the front, it was a lovely day… The truck came, double parked and emptied the glass into the back of the truck. And when the glass smashed, everybody jumped.”
“The truck drivers wear hearing protection. Well, the customers aren’t outside wearing hearing protection,” she said.
Ultimately, Ms Cordina thinks the container deposit scheme is a great initiative for the environment.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m an environmental person. We do our best at the cafe to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint, including us.
“But the position of this recycling centre is just not viable.”
