An astounding 14.7 billion drink containers have been returned for the 10c refund since the program started on December 1, 2017.
The much-loved scheme is supported by 93 per cent of NSW adults and has a participation rate of 83 per cent. There are
In just eight years, over $1.4B in container refunds have gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living, saving for a special goal or supporting charities and organisations.
Return and Earn’s birthday coincides with the scheme releasing the latest Local Government Area Network Volume Report which shows the total volume of containers redeemed by the community through return points by local government area since the scheme launched.
Return and Earn is delivered in partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.
James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, said the network had grown to over 660 return points.
“NSW recyclers love Return and Earn and the variety of ways to return their containers, including depots for large volumes of containers, hundreds of machines or over-the-counter options,” he said.
“As we celebrate this birthday, we’re moving into the busiest time of year for Return and Earn, with up to nine million containers expected to be returned daily.
“Recyclers can check the status of their local return point on the Return and Earn app or website before heading out.
People wanting to return large quantities quickly should try a Return and Earn depot.”
Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change, said she believes Return and Earn is the best product stewardship scheme in the country.
“Return and Earn’s birthday is a great opportunity to look at the impact the scheme has made over the last eight years,’’ she said.
“Its convenience means recycling eligible drink containers is now part of everyday routines such as shopping, the school drop-off or driving home from work.
“Return and Earn is also supporting important causes, with over $82M raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees.”
There are many Return and Earn outlets in Western Sydney. For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au
