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How we calculate your impact

How we calculate your impact

How we calculate

Calculations for the Impact Calculator are based on findings of a lifecycle analysis (LCA) of drink containers returned at Return and Earn return points across NSW. The LCA was conducted by Grant, T., and Berenyi T, (2021), Lifecycles Australia, with the final report provided on 11 October, 2021.

The report was amended with corrections on 28 March 2025, and updated with adjusted equivalence metrics 30 April 2025.

The LCA has been peer reviewed by an independent practitioner (Kyle O’Farrell, Envisage Works, 7 October 2021) as stated in ISO 14044 Clauses 6.1 and 6.2. The review has been performed to provide assurance of the credibility of the LCA and its results.

See full report here.

Data sources

  • Did you know people recycle an average of 75 containers per trip? (Average is for machines only. Source: Network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway)
  • It takes less water to make a new container from recycled plastic or glass than it does from new materials. (Source: Lifecycles Australia, 2021)
  • Making glass from recycled materials requires only 40% of the energy needed to make glass from new materials. (Source: Cleanaway https://cleanaway2stor.blob.core.windows.net/cleanaway2-blob-container/2020/06/Glass.pdf)
  • By recycling through Return and Earn, your bottles and cans can be recycled and back on the shelf as a new container in as little as 4-8 weeks. (Source: Logistics provider, Cleanaway - https://bit.ly/3Cn3Dal)
  • Average amount of water used in a shower every minute (Source: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/water-efficiency/water-saving-tips/saving-water-tips-in-the-bathroom)
  • Average TV energy consumption per hour (Source: https://www.energyaustralia.com.au/sites/default/files/2021-11/one-dollar-electricity.pdf)
  • Average passenger car emissions per km (Source: https://www.ntc.gov.au/sites/default/files/assets/files/Light%20vehicle%20emissions%20intensity%20in%20Australia%20-%20trends%20over%20time.pdf)
  • Size of standard Olympic swimming pool (Source: https://www.fluidra.com/projects/olympic-swimming-pool-characteristics)
  • Household annual energy consumption (Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/energy/energy-account-australia/latest-release)
  • Average km driven by passenger vehicles annually (Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/tourism-and-transport/survey-motor-vehicle-use-australia/latest-release)