A new Return and Earn depot in Ballina is set up to process large volumes of bottles, cans and cartons, with the facility able to handle up to 100 containers a minute.
The staffed depot includes ‘tip and go’ technology for bulk returns and a ‘tag and drop’ service, allowing users to leave bagged containers for processing without pre-sorting. It is designed for returns of 500 or more containers at a time, targeting hospitality venues, cafes, sporting clubs, community groups and charities.
Users receive the standard 10c refund per eligible container and can choose to print a voucher redeemable at Woolworths for shopping discounts or cash, or opt for an e-voucher or direct payment into a bank or PayPal account via the Return and Earn app.
The depot also supports donations, with more than 500 partners listed on the app. These include Lennox Head Public School, which is raising funds for the school, as well as the current statewide partner, The Smith Family, which supports children and young people experiencing disadvantage through education.
The Ballina Return and Earn Depot is the third return point and first depot in the Ballina Shire Council area. It opened at 20–22 De Havilland Crescent, Ballina, with an event attended by council representatives and community groups including Ronald McDonald House and Lennox Head Public School. The site operates daily from 7.00am to 6.00pm.
James Dorney, CEO at TOMRA Cleanaway, said Ballina Shire Council residents “are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned almost 68 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began in 2017”.
He added, “The new depot's ability to accept large loads of containers makes recycling convenient and accessible for keen users of the scheme, such as hospitality venues, cafes, sporting clubs, community groups and charities.”
Danielle Smalley, CEO at Exchange for Change, said the scheme delivers environmental and community outcomes.
“Return and Earn not only helps to achieve a cleaner and sustainable environment, it also delivers significant social benefits to the community as a key fundraising channel for so many charities and community groups in NSW,” she said.
“More than $1.5 billion in container refunds has also gone back into people’s pockets since the scheme began, helping with the cost of living, saving for a special goal or supporting some amazing causes.”
