Lismore MP Janelle Saffin says the popular NSW container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, is celebrating eight successful years of recycling, refunding and keeping litter out of the environment.

The scale of Return and Earn’s impact includes over 14.7 billion drink containers returned through the statewide network of more than 660 return points and over $1.4 billion in container refunds returned to recyclers. The Lismore LGA's contribution is above 108 million containers.

According to Ms Saffin, that includes a grand total of 410,523,469 containers recycled within the Lismore Electorate and the surrounding areas of Tweed and Byron shires:

• 219,918,405 containers in Tweed Shire Local Government Area
• 108,452,980 containers in Lismore City Local Government Area
• 51,842,200 containers in Byron Shire Local Government Area
• 18,405,497 containers in Tenterfield Shire Local Government Area.
• 11,904,387 containers in Kyogle Local Government Area

Since launching on 1 December 2017, Return and Earn has changed behaviour to make recycling part of everyday routines.

Return and Earn has also become a great way to fundraise for many charities and community groups in NSW. More than $82 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme began.

The scheme’s birthday coincides with Return and Earn releasing the latest Local Government Area Network Volume Report, which shows eight years of enthusiastic community participation in the scheme by council area.

To read the Local Government Volume Report, visit Return and Earn Network Volume Report.

Households are encouraged to check the live status of their nearest return point on the Return and Earn app or website before visiting.

For more information on Return and Earn, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.