Australians have recycled 10 billion containers at more than 400 Woolworths-affiliated return points around the country, redeeming a collective $1 billion since 2017.

As part of state and territory Government-led container deposit schemes, customers can exchange bottles and cans at eligible locations for Woolworths vouchers that can go towards their shopping, or cash back.

“In the last financial year alone, Woolworths customers recycled 1.3 billion containers and redeemed more than $100 million in vouchers.”

In FY26, NSW led the charge in redeeming recycling vouchers in cash or money off at the checkout. Across participating states, customers redeemed:

• $70 million in NSW
• $14 million in VIC
• $14 million in QLD
• $3 million in TAS
• $2 million in WA.

“In addition to redeeming vouchers, a large number of Aussies also went the extra mile to support their community, choosing to donate more than $550,000 to a variety of charities.”

The top 10 locations utilising Woolworths-affiliated return points in the year to 30 June 2026 have also been revealed. The top performing areas were:

1. Corrimal, NSW, where residents returned an average of 960 containers per person.
2. Plumpton, NSW, where residents returned an average of 632 containers per person.
3. Devonport, TAS, where residents returned an average of 433 containers per person.
4. Eastgardens, NSW, where residents returned an average of 1,518 containers per person.
5. Marsfield, NSW, where residents returned an average of 489 containers per person.
6. Wagga Wagga, NSW, where residents returned an average of 827 containers per person.
7. Taylors Hill, VIC, where residents returned an average of 304 containers per person.
8. Deer Park, VIC, where residents returned an average of 326 containers per person.
9. Taylors Lakes, VIC, where residents returned an average of 346 containers per person.
10. Hurstville, NSW, where residents returned an average of 180 containers per person.

Woolworths Managing Director of Sustainable Impact Laurie Kozlovic thanked customers for getting behind the initiative and for their ongoing commitment to reducing waste.

“We are so proud that 10 billion containers have been recycled through our network of Woolworths-affiliated collection points since 2017. We want to thank our customers for keeping these bottles and cans out of our environment and reducing litter,” said Mr Kozlovic.

“Making recycling a seamless part of the weekly grocery run just makes sense. It is a win-win that helps our community cut down on waste while putting money back into their pockets.”

Woolworths has partnered with recyclers TOMRA, TOMRA Cleanaway, Visy and Return-It to roll out more than 400 affiliated return points to support Aussies to reduce their waste and save money off their shop.

In addition to this network of container return points, Woolworths has rolled out more than 700 soft plastic collection points to help families reduce waste that isn’t eligible for kerbside collection.

Container deposit schemes are an initiative of state and territory governments which administer and oversee their operations.