NSW’s container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, has reached two major milestones with 16 billion bottles, cans and cartons returned by the community though local return points, resulting in $1.6 billion in refunds back to recyclers. Over $100 million has also been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees.

The community has made ‘returning and earning’ a part of daily life in NSW. Their 16 billion drink container returns are delivering substantial environmental benefits, such as less litter and landfill, as well as significant social benefits. Animal welfare, a helping hand for farmers, medical research, marine conservation and assistance for sick children are just a few of the many causes that have benefited from Return and Earn fundraising since the scheme began in December 2017.

Over the past year alone, NSW recyclers have shown strong support for Return and Earn’s major donation partners. Together, we’ve raised $210,000 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute through our Jeans for Genes appeal and helped Guide Dogs NSW/ACT achieve $175,000 to help people with blindness and low vision live independently.

Children’s education charity, The Smith Family, is the current statewide donation partner the community can support through their container recycling. The charity is hoping to raise $200,000, with just 30 donated containers able to fund one book for a disadvantaged student. 

There are over 600 charities and community groups from all over NSW, big and small, listed on the Return and Earn app including the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, who care for sick and injured koalas.

Supporters have donated more than 230,000 containers to the koala hospital, raising over $23,000 to help purchase vital equipment such as an x-ray dental plate and ophthalmoscope to diagnose koala eye injuries and illnesses.