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We have updated our privacy policy. You can view it here

We have updated our privacy policy. You can view it here.

Well done NSW!

Billions of containers are returned through Return and Earn in NSW every year. By recycling bottles, cans and cartons, you’re helping our environment and earning along the way, putting money back into the hands of the community.

Return and Earn is the rewarding way to recycle your drink containers. Every container returned makes an impact.

12,291,725,473

drink containers returned so far via return point network

652

return points available

93%

support

84%

participation

83%

satisfaction

3.4 billion

containers returned so far via kerbside collections

1,077,338

tonnes of materials recycled to date

68%

12-month rolling redemption rate

54%

reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels

$62.59 million

returned to charities and community groups via donations and fees to date
Return-and-Earn_hp_illustration-12-1.png

12,291,725,473

Drink containers returned so far via return point network
Return-and-Earn_hp_illustration-13.png

652

Return points available
image-04-nsw-adults-support.png

90%

Support
Return-and-Earn_hp_illustration.png

83%

Participation
Return-and-Earn_hp_illustration-14.png

80%

Satisfaction
Return-and-Earn_hp_illustration-19.png

3.34 billion

containers returned so far via kerbside collection
Return-and-Earn_hp_illustration-16.png

1,044,179

tonnes of materials recycled to date
Return-and-Earn_hp_illustration-15.png

68%

12-month rolling redemption rate
Image_new-tile.png

54% reduction

reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels
image-10-returned-to-charities.png

$54 million

returned to charities and community groups via donations and fees to date

Latest news

Donation Partner
Latest news
New Return and Earn machine now open in Telopea

New Return and Earn machine now open in Telopea

12 billion drink containers recycled through Return and Earn

12 billion drink containers recycled through Return and Earn

George with a return machine

Recycling to convert books to braille

Couple outside the return and earn depot

Return and Earn recycling scheme refunds pay for Dubbo couple’s dream wedding

Silverwater Opening Aug 2024

Silverwater Return and Earn celebrates grand opening

Return and Earn machine at SCU

SCU celebrates opening of new Return and Earn machine

How does Return and Earn work?

Step One - Collect eligible containers
Collect eligible containers

Find out which containers can be returned through Return and Earn for 10 cents each.

Step Two - Take containers to return point
Take containers to a return point

There are different types of return points available. Find the one nearest or most convenient for you.

Step Three - get your refund or donate.
Get your refund or donate

Every eligible container is worth 10c. You can keep the refund or donate it to a worthy cause.

Get to know the return points

Compare and choose the right return point for you
image of a reverse vending machine

Reverse Vending Machines

Self-service, convenient locations and ideal for up to 500 containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via Return and Earn App
image of an automated depot with staff sorting containers

Automated Depot

Staffed and offers additional services. Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

image of an over the counter type return point

Over the counter

Staffed and good for cash-in-hand refunds. Ideal for < 100 containers

Refund types

Donations

image of reverse vending centre

Reverse Vending Centre

Self service with multiple machines Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via Return and Earn App
image of donation station

Donation Station

Self service and donations only. Ideal for on-the-go returns*

Refund types

Donations

*Donation stations cannot take glass

Get to know the return points

Understand how the different return points work

Reverse Vending Machines

Self-service, convenient locations and ideal for up to 500 containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via the Return and Earn App

Automated Depot

Staffed and offers additional services. Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

Over the counter

Staffed and good for cash-in-hand refunds. Ideal for < 100 containers

Refund types

Donations

Donation Station

Self service and donations only. Ideal for on-the-go returns*

Refund types

Donations

*Donation stations cannot take glass

Reverse Vending Centre

Self service with multiple machines Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via Return and Earn App

Stay in the know with Return and Earn

Sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news.

#ReturnandEarn

Exchange for Change. PO Box 3414 Rhodes NSW 2138. ABN 12 620 512 469
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Support for the scheme

This rate represents the percentage of NSW adults who support the Return and Earn scheme. 

Source: Verian consumer research results (June 2024)

Total participation

This rate represents the percentage of NSW adults who have participated in Return and Earn

Source: Verian consumer research results (June 2024)

Satisfaction among scheme participants

This rate represents the percentage of participants that are satisfied with the scheme. 

Source: Verian consumer research results (June 2024)

Containers returned via kerbside collection

Material recovery facility (MRF) operators are able to claim a refund for any eligible containers collected via kerbside recycling provided they have a share agreement in place with their relevant council. MRF operators can only make a claim at the end of each quarter therefore this figure is updated once their claim has been reviewed and processed, up to two months post end of the quarter.

Tonnes of materials recycled

Tonnage is calculated based on state-wide averages of the number of eligible containers in each kilogram of a material type called eligible container factors. The factors are calculated quarterly and published by the NSW EPA. The network operator is contractually obliged to deliver all material for reuse or recycling. 

Figure as at September 2024.

Containers redeemed (network + kerbside)​

The redemption rate is the percentage of eligible containers supplied into NSW which have been redeemed through the scheme, either via a return point or through kerbside collection. This figure is updated quarterly.

Figure July 2023 – June 2024.

Key Littered Items Study (KLIS) - Litter Reduction

Results based on the KLIS. Percentage represents the reduction of eligible CDS beverage container litter (items).

Source: EPA CDS beverage container litter – 2020–21 CDS litter

Returned to charities and community groups since the scheme was introduced in December 2017

Total amount returned to charities and community groups via donations at return points and fees for hosting return points as at June 2024. This figure does not include informal fundraising activities by community groups. 

Source: Network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway

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