The Tea Gardens Country Club Bowling Club has established a sustainable funding source by taking part in Return and Earn.

Both the Tea Gardens Country Club and Tea Gardens Hotel support the club’s Return and Earn collections, by setting aside empty cans and bottles in collection bins managed by the bowling club.

“We’ve been participating in Return and Earn for approximately two and a half years,” club president Rob Young explained.

“Our efforts have generated close to $7,000 annually.”

Teams of bowlers collect and return eligible containers twice weekly to obtain the 10-cent refund, Mr Young said.

Proceeds from Return and Earn have facilitated recent purchases such as new scoreboards and various bowling aids, including a laser measurer for close bowls.

All Return and Earn funds directly support the replacement and upgrade of essential equipment for club members.

Mr Young emphasised the positive impact of the refunds, especially given the club’s modest size of around 115 members, many of whom are seniors.

Around 25 members take part in the container collection process, using utes and box trailers to gather containers from local venues.

The collected containers are recycled at the Myall Quays, Tea Gardens Return and Earn facility, with funds allocated to further improve club resources.

This initiative not only contributes financially to the club but also promotes environmental responsibility, requiring only a minimal time commitment of about one hour twice a week, Mr Young said.