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Return and Earn return points across NSW are open and can be accessed for returns in line with the latest Public Health Orders.

We're currently experiencing limited disruptions due to COVID and we encourage you to check the status of your nearest return point before visiting and avoiding peak times where possible. We thank you for your patience.

Anyone visiting a return point must ensure they comply with the latest Public Health Orders, including checking-in via the QR code displayed, wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing of at least 1.5 metres from others, and practicing good hygiene.

The myTOMRA app is being replaced by the Return and Earn app. Find out how to switch over.

Return and Earn return points across NSW are open. When visiting, please ensure you comply with the latest Public Health Orders, maintain social distancing of at least 1.5 metres from others and practicing good hygiene.

Well done NSW!

Billions of containers are returned through Return and Earn in NSW every year. By recycling bottles, cans and cartons, you’re helping our environment and earning along the way, putting money back into the hands of the community.

Return and Earn is the rewarding way to recycle your drink containers. Every container returned makes an impact.

7,821,920,873

drink containers returned so far

615

return points available

78%

of NSW adults have participated in Return and Earn

89%

of NSW adults support the scheme

82%

satisfaction among scheme participants

2.40 billion​

containers returned via kerbside since commencement

717,400

tonnes of materials recycled since commencement

63%

of containers supplied redeemed through the scheme (network + kerbside) last quarter

54% reduction

of eligible CDS beverage container litter to date

$30 million

returned to charities and community groups via donations and fees since scheme commencement.

7,821,920,873

Drink containers returned so far
image-02-return-points.png

615

Return points available
image-03-participation.png

78%

Participation (NSW adults 18+)
image-04-nsw-adults-support.png

89%

NSW adults 18+ support the scheme*
image-05-satisfaction.png

82%

Satisfaction among scheme participants*
dashboard icons-13

717,400

of materials recycled since commencement
dashboard icons-11

2.40 billion​

containers returned via kerbside collection last quarter
dashboard icons-14

63%

of containers supplied redeemed through the scheme (network + kerbside) in the last 12 months
dashboard icons-15

54% reduction

of eligible CDS beverage container litter to date
dashboard icons-12

$30 million

Returned to charities and community groups since scheme commencement via donations and fees for hosting return points.

Latest news

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How does Return and Earn work?

Collect eligible containers

Find out which containers can be returned through Return and Earn for 10 cents each.

Take containers to a return point

There are different types of return points available. Find the one nearest or most convenient for you.

Get your refund or donate

Every eligible container is worth 10c. You can keep the refund or donate it to a worthy cause.

Get to know the return points

Compare and choose the right return point for you

Reverse Vending Machines

Self-service, convenient locations and ideal for up to 500 containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via Return and Earn App

Automated Depot

Staffed and offers additional services. Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

Over the counter

Staffed and good for cash-in-hand refunds. Ideal for < 100 containers

Refund types

Donations

Reverse Vending Centre

Self service with multiple machines Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via Return and Earn App

Donation Station

Self service and donations only. Ideal for on-the-go returns*

Refund types

Donations

*Donation stations cannot take glass

Get to know the return points

Understand how the different return points work

Reverse Vending Machines

Self-service, convenient locations and ideal for up to 500 containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via the Return and Earn App

Automated Depot

Staffed and offers additional services. Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

Over the counter

Staffed and good for cash-in-hand refunds. Ideal for < 100 containers

Refund types

Donations

Donation Station

Self service and donations only. Ideal for on-the-go returns*

Refund types

Donations

*Donation stations cannot take glass

Reverse Vending Centre

Self service with multiple machines Ideal for any no. of containers

Refund types

Donations

*Available via Return and Earn App

Stay in the know with Return and Earn

Sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news.
Drink containers returned so far

Total number of containers collected through the Return and Earn network of return points since scheme commencement (Dec 2017). This figure is updated hourly via a live feed.

Total participation

Source: Kantar Public consumer research results (December 2021)

Support for the scheme

Source: Kantar Public consumer research results (December 2021)

Satisfaction among scheme participants

Source: Kantar Public consumer research results (December 2021)

Containers returned via kerbside collection

Material recovery facility (MRF) operators are able to claim a refund for any eligible containers collected via kerbside recycling provided they have a share agreement in place with their relevant council. MRF operators can only make a claim at the end of each quarter therefore this figure is updated once their claim has been reviewed and processed, up to two months post end of the quarter.

Tonnes of materials recycled

Tonnage is calculated based on state-wide averages of the number of eligible containers in each kilogram of a material type called eligible container factors. The factors are calculated quarterly and published by the NSW EPA. The network operator is contractually obliged to deliver all material for reuse or recycling.

Containers redeemed (network + kerbside)​

The redemption rate is the percentage of eligible containers supplied into NSW which have been redeemed through the scheme, either via a return point or through kerbside collection. This figure is updated quarterly.

Returned to charities and community groups since the scheme was introduced in December 2017

Total amount returned to charities and community groups via donations at return points and fees for hosting return points as at October 2021. This figure does not include informal fundraising activities by community groups. Source: Network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway

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