Tamworth Return and Earn Celebrates Grand Opening

Today the Tamworth community celebrated the grand opening of the Tamworth Return and Earn automated depot, that’s already processed more than 1.7 million containers returned since it opened in January.

“The Tamworth community has shown themselves to be excellent recyclers, having returned more than 112 million containers through local return points since the scheme began in December 2017,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator for Return and Earn.

“Tamworth Return and Earn automated depot is the 8th return point available in the area and it’s proven to be a popular choice for locals since opening, averaging 210,000 containers returned by the community for recycling each week,” he said.

The facility is delivered in partnership between TOMRA Cleanaway and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and is one of eight return points Vinnies operates across the state.

Yolanda Saiz, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW was delighted with the reception to Tamworth Return and Earn’s opening.

“We are proud to open this new facility which will help reduce litter in Tamworth and protect our local environment while also delivering economic and social benefits to the local community.

“The funds raised from the Container Deposit Scheme support programs and services the Society runs in the community that help people experiencing poverty and disadvantage.

“Our team has really enjoyed getting to know the locals and we look forward to working together with the community to contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Ms Saiz.

As a bulk-processing facility, Tamworth Return and Earn is designed to quickly process high volumes of drink containers and to support community fundraising efforts for local not-for-profit groups and charities.

The scheme also protects the local environment by keeping drink container litter off the streets and out of waterways and landfill.

“All Return and Earn automated depots contribute to charities and put more money back into the local community with every recycled container. Together they add to our efforts to build a sustainable NSW,” said James Dorney.

“Return and Earn has become an important fundraising channel for hundreds of charities with over $42 million raised via donations and return point hosting fees since commencement.”
More than 9 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling through Return and Earn’s network of more than 600 return points across NSW since the scheme launched just over five years ago.

Tamworth Return and Earn is located at 4 MacIntosh St, Taminda and is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Saturday.

 

Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.