NSW’s popular drink container recycling scheme, Return and Earn, celebrated seven years of success yesterday. And to mark its birthday, the scheme has released its latest Local Government Volumes Report listing the number of containers returned by the community by council. 

Since its launch in December 2017, Return and Earn has seen over 12.5 billion drink containers returned for recycling through its return point network across the state thanks to the 84 per cent of NSW adults who have participated.

The Lismore City Council recorded the following figures since 1 December 2017:

• Aluminium - 41,200,243
• Glass - 34,012,806
• PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) - 16,369,245
• HDPE (plastics) - 1,616,143
• Liquid Paper Board - 1,137,218
• Steel - 83,714

Return and Earn is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership with scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway. 

“It’s been amazing to see so many people make Return and Earn part of their regular routine and the incredible positive impact their participation is having with two out of three drink containers sold in NSW being returned and 1,077,338 tonnes of materials recycled to a 73 per cent reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change. 

“Funded by the beverage industry, Return and Earn is a leading example of effective product stewardship.

"In addition to the environmental benefits, we have also seen $1.25 billion in container refunds put back in people’s pockets, and over $62 million raised for charities and community groups through donations and fees from hosting return points,” said Ms. Smalley.

The latest consumer research shows support and trust in Return and Earn is at an all-time high, respectively 93 per cent and 78 per cent of NSW adults, with 3 out of 5 ‘returning and earning’ monthly or more.

The return point network continues to grow, with network operator TOMRA Cleanaway continually reviewing and optimising to ensure NSW residents have easy and convenient access to redeem their bottles, cans and cartons.

“We’re proud to invest in technological upgrades to make recycling even easier for the community. Over the last 12 months, we’ve added 103 new return points to the network including new return point formats as well as upgrades to some machines to ‘takes-all’. All with the aim of making it quicker and easier to return your drink containers and pocket the refund,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway.

There are over 650 return points across NSW, including Return and Earn machines, automated depots and over-the-counter return points, all designed to be as accessible as possible.

“Over the upcoming busy summer holidays, we expect more than 9 million drink containers will be returned every day by the NSW community. It’s a busy time of year so we encourage everyone to check the live status of their nearest return point through the Return and Earn app or website before visiting,” added Mr. Dorney. 

“Return and Earn is the triple threat of recycling – providing significant social, economic and environmental benefits to the NSW community while contributing to a more sustainable, waste-free future.

“Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to Return and Earn’s seven years of success, including the beverage industry, who fund the scheme, the NSW community for their support and participation, and the strong partnership between scheme partners,” said Ms Smalley. 

For more information, visit www.returnandearn.com.au.