The New South Wales government’s Return and Earn scheme has reached a milestone – recording 12 billion bottles, cans and cartons returned through the network since the scheme began, and resulting in $1.2 billion in container refunds back in people’s pockets.
Network operator for Return and Earn Tomra Cleanaway CEO, James Dorney, said the scheme has become a New South Wales circular economy success story.
“Almost seven years after launching, it has become one of the most successful and trusted recycling initiatives in the state,” said Dorney.
“It has also resulted in more than 1 million tonnes in materials recycled, contributing to a 54 per cent reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels.”
Australia's biggest recycling company, Visy, commissioned the country's first oxygen-fuelled glass furnace at its recycling and remanufacturing facility in Penrith, Western Sydney in July.
The factory takes recycled glass from household recycle bins and the Return and Earn container deposit scheme to make the new bottles and jars.
New research shows support and trust in the container deposit scheme is at an all-time high, respectively 93 per cent and 78 per cent of New South Wales adults, and participation has reached a new peak, at 84 per cent.
Scheme coordinator for Return and Earn Exchange for Change CEO, Danielle Smalley, said the achievement and research findings highlight the cultural change seen over the last years, with taking drink containers to a local Return and Earn point becoming a way of life throughout all corners of New South Wales.
She thanked the community and the beverage industry for making Return and Earn such a success, contributing to significant financial, economic and social benefits.
“The operation of Return and Earn is fully funded by the beverage industry and is Australia’s best example of product stewardship,” said Smalley.
“As well as environmental benefits, we have seen $1.2 billion in container refunds generated, and over $62 million raised for charities and community groups through donations and fees from hosting return points.
“The 10c per container refunds have helped families and individuals with day-to-day expenses or to reach savings goals for special extras, holidays, and even a wedding,” she said.
The scheme has also become a popular fundraising channel for hundreds of charities and community groups. The Return and Earn app features more than 300 charities, enabling anyone returning containers to donate their refund to their favourite cause.
“It’s not just about recycling to clean up our environment; we are turning those bottles and cans into an in-demand and valued commodity in our growing circular economy,” said Dorney.
Return and Earn is delivered in partnership between the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, and network operator Tomra Cleanaway.
