While some centres had collection points established late last year Parkes residents have had to wait until now to cash in on the scheme, despite already paying extra for drinks at supermarkets and bottle shops.

The collection point will be operating from 7 to 10 with an assistant on hand for the first few weeks of the scheme to help explain how the collection point works.

The site still needs to be concreted but all going well will be operating regularly this week.

The NSW Government had promised to have 85 per cent of the proposed 500 Return and Earn sites up and running by December 1, instead there will be just 230 sites open.

The return and earn scheme, designed to reduce litter, offers a 10-cent refund for every eligible can and bottle handed in via reverse vending machines or at over-the-counter collection points across the state.

For those of you who’ve been storing your aluminium cans, plastic containers and glass bottles – here’s everything you need to know about the scheme. 

Which containers can be returned for a refund?

Most 150ml to three litre drink containers will be eligible for a 10 cent refund at an approved NSW collection point.

Container materials that may be eligible for a refund include:

Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label intact. If a container isn't eligible for a refund, use a recycling bin.

Under the Return and Earn scheme most empty 150-millilitre to 3-litre drink containers will be eligible for the 10-cent refund, materials that may be eligible for a refund include: PET, HDPE, glass, aluminium, steel and liquid paperboard.

Containers that are not eligible for return are: Plain milk (or milk substitute) containers, flavoured milk containers of one litre or more, pure fruit or vegetable juice containers of one litre or more, glass containers for wine and spirits, casks (plastic bladders in boxes).