Return and Earn claims 12 billion container milestone

Return and Earn, delivered in partnership through the NSW Environment Protection Authority, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, has announced a milestone of 12 billion bottles, cans and cartons returned during the scheme’s history.

The scheme began in December 2017 and has paid out $1.2 billion to those returning containers – $62 million to charities and community groups via donations and return point hosting fees – in the period.

Funded by the beverage industry, it is “Australia’s best example of product stewardship”, said Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, in a statement on Thursday.

“The 10c per container refunds have helped families and individuals with day-to-day expenses or to reach savings goals for special extras, holidays, and even a wedding,” added Smalley.

James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, said Return and Earn “has become one of the most successful and trusted recycling initiatives in the state,” in almost seven years since launching.

(Network operator for Return and Earn, TOMRA Cleanaway, is a joint venture between reverse vending and sorting company TOMRA Collection Solutions Australia and recovery organisation Cleanaway Waste Management)

“It has also resulted in more than 1 million tonnes in materials recycled, contributing to a 54 per cent reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels,” said Dorney.

Less than a year ago, NSW Return and Earn had counted 10 billion recycled cans and bottles collected.

According to the initiative, the 12 billion drink containers represented 126,336 households’ average yearly energy consumption in energy savings and 28,212 Olympic swimming pools in water savings.

Picture: supplied

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