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Return and Earn return points across NSW are open and can be accessed for returns in line with the latest Public Health Orders.

We're currently experiencing limited disruptions due to COVID and we encourage you to check the status of your nearest return point before visiting and avoiding peak times where possible. We thank you for your patience.

Anyone visiting a return point must ensure they comply with the latest Public Health Orders, including checking-in via the QR code displayed, wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing of at least 1.5 metres from others, and practicing good hygiene.

The myTOMRA app is being replaced by the Return and Earn app. Find out how to switch over.

Return and Earn return points across NSW are open. When visiting, please ensure you comply with the latest Public Health Orders, maintain social distancing of at least 1.5 metres from others and practicing good hygiene.

Available in: العربية | 简体中文
Available in: العربية | 简体中文
Download the Return and Earn app
Get your refunds quicker and easier
Download Now
Find your nearest return point
Check the map for directions, opening hours and
live status updates for all return points
View map
What's the impact of your recycling?
Every container returned with Return and Earn helps our environment.
Calculate now
Check which containers are good to go
Check the label for 10 cent refund mark to see if it can be returned for a 10 cent refund
Learn more
School Curriculum
Package
Free teaching resources for Early Learning through to Stage 5.
Download Now
Download the Return and Earn app
Get your refunds quicker and easier
Download Now
Find your nearest return point
Check the map for directions, opening hours and live status updates for all return points
View map
What's the impact of your recycling?
Every container returned with Return and Earn helps our environment.
Calculate now
Check which containers are good to go
Check the label for 10 cent refund mark to see if it can be returned for a 10 cent refund
Learn more
School Curriculum Package
Free teaching resources for Early Learning through to Stage 5.
Download Now

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.

7,620,422,529

drink containers returned so far

616

return points available

78%

of NSW adults have participated in Return and Earn

89%

of NSW adults support the scheme

82%

satisfaction among scheme participants

1.84 billion

containers returned via return points in the last 12 months

2.40 billion

containers returned via kerbside since commencement

717,400

tonnes of materials recycled since commencement

69%

of containers supplied redeemed through the scheme (network + kerbside) last quarter

$30 million

returned to charities and community groups via donations and fees since scheme commencement.

7,620,422,529

Drink containers returned so far

616

Return points available

78%

Participation (NSW adults 18+)

89%

NSW adults 18+ support the scheme*

82%

Satisfaction among scheme participants*

1.84 billion

containers returned via return points in the last 12 months

161,000 tonnes

of materials recycled in the last 12 months

2.40 billion

containers returned via kerbside since commencemenet

69%

of containers supplied redeemed through the scheme (network + kerbside) last quarter

$30 million

Returned to charities and community groups since scheme commencement via donations and fees for hosting return points.
Calculate your recycling impact
Find a return point

Latest news

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Donation Partner AWL
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Container recycling nets $122,540 for Starlight Children’s Foundation
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Rural Fire Brigade gets training boost with Return and Earn
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City Return and Earn Opening
City Return and Earn opens in Mascot with innovative new partnership
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International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day: behind the scenes with women driving recycling in NSW
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SRC St Augustines
St Augustine’s SRC plans ways to engage their peers in container returns
Read More
7 Billion containers
Return and Earn hits 7 billion containers returned milestone
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How does Return and Earn work?

Collect eligible containers

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

Check container eligibility
Take containers to a return point

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

Find a return point
Get your refund or donate

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

Find out more
Find out more

Get to know the return points

Compare and choose the right return point for you
View return points near you
More information

Reverse Vending Machines

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

Refund types

Donations

  • Bank Transfer*
  • PayPal*
  • Voucher
  • Yes
*Available via Return and Earn App

Automated Depot

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

Refund types

Donations

  • EFT
  • Cash
  • Enquire

Over the counter

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

Refund types

Donations

  • Cash
  • Enquire

Reverse Vending Centre

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

Refund types

Donations

  • Bank Transfer*
  • PayPal*
  • Voucher
  • Yes
*Available via Return and Earn App

Donation Station

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

Refund types

Donations

  • N/A
  • Yes
*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

  • Bank Transfer*
  • Cash Voucher
  • PayPal*
  • Yes
*Available via the Return and Earn App

Automated Depot

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

Refund types

Donations

  • EFT
  • Cash
  • Enquire

Over the counter

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

Refund types

Donations

  • Cash
  • Enquire

Donation Station

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

Refund types

Donations

  • N/A
  • Yes
*Donation stations cannot take glass

Reverse Vending Centre

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

Refund types

Donations

  • Bank Transfer*
  • PayPal*
  • Voucher
  • Yes
*Available via Return and Earn App
View return points near you
More information

Stay in the know with Return and Earn

Sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news.
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1800 290 691

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Exchange for Change. PO Box 3414 Rhodes NSW 2138. ABN 12 620 512 469
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Available in: العربية | 简体中文
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1800 290 691
Send us feedback
Drink containers returned so far

Total number of containers collected through the Return and Earn network of return points since scheme commencement (Dec 2017). This figure is updated hourly via a live feed.

Total participation

Source: Kantar Public consumer research results (December 2021)

Support for the scheme

Source: Kantar Public consumer research results (December 2021)

Satisfaction among scheme participants

Source: Kantar Public consumer research results (December 2021)

Containers returned at scheme return points

Source: Network operator TOMRA Cleanaway

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.

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.

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 October 2021. This figure does not include informal fundraising activities by community groups. Source: Network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway

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