The NSW Return and Earn container deposit scheme has announced the return of the 13 billionth container since the scheme was launched in 2017.
With $1.3bn returning to consumers and over $72m raised for charities and community groups through donations, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, James Dorney said the initiative is a great achievement for sustainability in NSW.
“This achievement shows just how important drink container recycling is across NSW. With over 650 convenient and accessible return points, it has never been easier to recycle in our state,” said Dorney.
“Thanks to the people of NSW, what was once seen as waste is now a valuable resource, delivering significant environmental, social and economic benefits.”
Danielle Smalley, CEO of Scheme Coordinator Exchange for Change said the Earn and Return program contributes to a more sustainable future while growing a circular economy and boosting community morale.
“Since launching in December 2017, Return and Earn has grown into one of the most successful recycling initiatives in the state, with eight out of 10 NSW adults making Return and Earn part of their regular routine, most visiting monthly or more often,” said Smalley.
“Recycling isn’t just about cleaning up the environment – it’s about turning waste into valuable resources to grow our circular economy. Together, we are contributing to a more sustainable future, where the materials that our bottles, cans and cartons are made of are kept in use and out of landfill.”
Return and Earn’s latest achievement follows a record-breaking summer which saw 2024 become the year with the highest number of container returns reaching 2.125 billion. Monday, 23 December also broke the record for the biggest single day return date brining in 10.3 million containers alone.
As a result of recycling 13 billion drink containers and an additional 3.5 billion returned via yellow bin kerbside collections, the Return and Earn scheme continues to increase recycling rates and reduce the beverage industry’s reliance on glass, aluminum and virgin PET.