NSW’s container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, has reached two major milestones.

16 billion bottles, cans and cartons have been returned by the community through local return points, resulting in $1.6 billion in refunds back to recyclers. This is said to have delivered substantial environmental benefits, such as less litter and landfill, as well as significant social benefits.

Over $100 million has also been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees.

Over the past year alone, NSW recyclers have shown strong support for Return and Earn’s major donation partners.

“Together, we’ve raised $210,000 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute through our Jeans for Genes appeal and helped Guide Dogs NSW/ACT achieve $175,000 to help people with blindness and low vision,” says the organisation.

“Children’s education charity, The Smith Family, is the current statewide donation partner the community can support through their container recycling. The charity is hoping to raise $200,000, with just 30 donated containers able to fund one book for a disadvantaged student.”

There are over 600 charities and community groups from all over NSW, big and small, listed on the Return and Earn app including the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, who care for sick and injured koalas. Supporters have donated more than 230,000 containers to the koala hospital, raising over $23,000 to help purchase vital equipment such as an x-ray dental plate and an ophthalmoscope to diagnose koala eye injuries and illnesses.

James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, says this 16 billion container milestone means $1.6 billion in container refunds has been returned to the community since Return and Earn began eight years ago. 

“I’m proud that our network of over 660 return points across NSW is enabling the community to help their favourite cause,” he says.  

“Return and Earn is a great example of the circular economy in action. It’s keeping drink containers in circulation, creating a cleaner environment and delivering financial benefits to individuals, charities, schools, community and sporting groups.”