Dapto High recyclers improving school with container refunds

Bottles and cans are a valuable resource for Dapto High School’s seasoned recyclers, who are cashing in while creating a cleaner and greener environment.

Around 300,000 containers have been collected from the school’s bins and recycled through Return and Earn by Dapto High’s Green Group, which began when teacher David Bateman decided to work with students who were keen to make their school more environmentally sustainable.

Now up to 50 students are involved in the group, which has planted trees, removed rubbish and started recycling programs.

Each day Green Group members sort eligible containers to take to Return and Earn for the 10c refund.

“Return and Earn is one thing that has captured the student’s attention in that it involved making money,” said Mr Bateman, whose work was recognised with the Return and Earn Program Leader Award at the NSW Environmental Education Awards 2024.

Refunds from the returned containers are fed back into the school to benefit all students.

“The kids are the ones who choose what the money is spent on and how we make the school a better place,” said Dapto High principal Joel Burnett.

Drinking fountains with ice water and sunscreen dispensers are some of new infrastructure funded by the student-led Return and Earn recycling.

Dapto High School student and Green Group member Alyssa encouraged other schools to follow Dapto’s lead: “I would say it’s a great thing to become a part of because it is positive for your school and for the students’ wellbeing.”