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Every eligible bottle, can or carton you return through Return and Earn is worth a refund of 10 cents. You have different payout options to receive this refund.

Retail Cash Vouchers

Available at Reverse vending machines only

When you use a Reverse Vending Machine to Return and Earn, you can use the options on the touchscreen to have it print out a retail voucher for the full refund amount.

A refund voucher can be spent or exchanged for cash at participating retailers. These vary depending on where the machine is located but generally include Woolworths, Coles and IGA.

You can redeem retail vouchers for up to three years from the date of printing, though we recommend vouchers be redeemed within a few weeks in case of fading.

Electronic refunds

There are three types of electronic refunds available on the Return and Earn app:

Direct payment into your bank account via EFT

Direct payment to your PayPal account

Digital e-vouchers to redeem at partnering retailers for cash or to save on purchases

Get your refund as an E-voucher 

An E-Voucher is redeemable for cash or can be used for purchases at Coles or  Woolworths supermarkets, depending on which supermarket is partnered with the machine where you claim your payout. E-vouchers cannot currently be used for online purchases. 

How to get an E-voucher

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of the Return and Earn app on your phone and that you are registered and signed in to your account. 
  2. Make sure Digital Voucher is selected in Payment Settings on the app. (Note: If you have not linked your PayPal account to the app or do not have a PayPal account, any electronic payment will be sent as an E-voucher.) 
  3. At the machine, scan your personal Return and Earn barcode with your phone.  
  4. Start returning your sorted, eligible containers.  
  5. Once you’re done returning, select the PayPal button on the RVM screen and your payment will be sent as an E-voucher.  

Take your E-voucher to Woolies or Coles, depending on which supermarket is partnered with the RVM you use, and scan the e-Voucher barcode at the register. You can use the value of your E-voucher as a discount on your purchases or claim it as a cash refund. 

Put your refund into your PayPal account 

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of the Return and Earn app on your phone and that you are registered and signed in to your account. 
  2. Make sure PayPal is selected in Payment Settings on the app. 
  3. At the machine, scan your personal account barcode with your phone.  
  4. Start returning your sorted, eligible containers.  
  5. Once you’re done returning, select the PayPal button on the RVM screen and your payment will be sent to your PayPal account. 

Download the Return and Earn app

Cash refunds

Cash refunds or EFTs are available from Over the Counter and Automated Depot return points.

To claim your cash refund simply take your eligible containers to an over the counter site or automated depot return point. After the containers have been returned the person in charge of the Return and Earn return point will give you a refund of 10 cents per container.

Returns of 1500 containers or more will require you to sign a declaration and provide photo identification such as your Driver’s Licence.

Refunds

  • Where can I get a refund?

    Eligible containers can be redeemed for a 10c refund at any return point. A return point can either be a Machine, Over the Counter site, Automated Depot or a Donation Station. Find a return point.

  • How can I get a refund?

    To be able to redeem an eligible container, the container should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label intact. Eligible containers need to be returned to a return point to get the refund.

    Read more information about the different types of return points.

  • What refund options are available at a Reverse Vending Machine?

    When you use a Reverse Vending Machine to return your containers you have three options to receive your refund:

    • Receive a retail voucher which can be spent instore or be exchanged for cash at a participating retailer such as Woolworths, Coles or IGA
    • Receive an electronic refund to your registered PayPal account via the Return and Earn app. For more information about receiving electronic refunds, visit here.
    • Donate your refund to a charity, school, sports club or community group featured on the Reverse Vending Machine.
  • Where can I redeem my voucher?

    Retail vouchers can be redeemed at the retail partner listed on the voucher. Redemption partners include Woolworths, Coles, IGA, FoodWorks and BP, but vary at different machines so you need to check your voucher to know where to redeem.

    Remember that vouchers can only be issued by a Reverse Vending Machine, not by an Over the Counter site, Automated Depot or Donation Station.

  • Does my Reverse Vending Machine voucher expire?

    Reverse Vending Machine vouchers are valid for three years. If you require assistance regarding vouchers, please complete the voucher support form.

Electronic refunds

  • How do I get an electronic refund?

    Download the Return and Earn App from Google Play or iTunes App Stores and create a profile. The app comes with a personal barcode that you scan on the machine to get the direct payment into your Return and Earn profile. Open the app and follow the prompts to link your PayPal or bank account to the app before you redeem any eligible containers.

    Once you’ve linked your PayPal or bank account, scan your personal barcode from the Return and Earn app when you arrive at the Reverse Vending Machine to log in. Place all your containers in the Reverse Vending Machine one at a time, then select transfer on screen. Your refund will be credited to your account.

  • What is the Return and Earn app and how do I use it?

    The Return and Earn app offers fast, secure and convenient refunds when you return your eligible drink containers. You can also keep all of your digital e-vouchers in on place on the Return and Earn app, before you redeem them at participating supermarkets for cash or purchases.

    You can use the app at any return point across NSW, to use it:

    1. Scan your personal Return and Earn app barcode at the reverse vending machine before your return your containers. You will see your name on the machine screen.
    2. Return your empties for recycling.
    3. When you are finished, tap the transer button on the reverse vending machine screen. Your recycling refunds will be available in your Return and Earn profile, or in your account if you have added PayPal or bank account.
  • Why do I need a PayPal account and is it secure?

    PayPal account allows you to receive refunds for Return and Earn securely, without sharing your bank details.

    If you do not wish to open a PayPal account, you can still receive a refund with a retail voucher or digital e-voucher on your Return and Earn app.

    Find out more about refunds.

  • How long will it take to receive my refund via PayPal?

    Refunds are credited into your PayPal account when you select the PayPal button on the Reverse Vending Machine screen. The refund will normally appear in your PayPal account within a few minutes but can take up to 48 hours.

  • How can I access my refund from my PayPal account?

    Your refund will be stored as a balance in your PayPal account. You can use it towards purchases paid for with PayPal or log in to your PayPal account to transfer it to your bank account.

  • How can I add PayPal as an electronic payout option in the Return and Earn app profile?

    First, you’ll need to create a PayPal account.

    Press ‘Add payout’ on the profile page or through the ‘More’ menu. You will then be redirected to PayPal to connect your Return and Earn profile with PayPal. Press ‘Accept’ and you are redirected back. You will then receive all future refunds directly to your PayPal account.

  • How do I create a PayPal account?

    Go to the PayPal website or download the PayPal app. Press ‘Sign-up for free’ and follow the steps to create your account.

  • How can I set up automatic or manual payouts of my refunds?

    To change from automatic to manual payout or vice versa, go to your Return and Earn profile, select ‘more’ and ‘payout options’ where you then can change payout preferences.

  • I obtained a retail voucher from a Reverse Vending Machine. Can I get the refund from that voucher transferred into Return and Earn profile?

    No. To claim a direct payment you must scan your barcode before you deposit your containers. If you have printed a refund voucher you must use it in-store or redeem it for cash at a participating retailer such as Woolworths, Coles, IGA or FoodWorks.