The Coonamble community has embraced the convenience of the state’s first remote high-speed Return and Earn Depot, returning 220,000 containers since the council-operated facility opened in August 2026.
The new depot was officially opened with a celebration attended by Coonamble Shire Council deputy mayor Steven Butler and local community groups and charities, including the Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund, Quota Club, Lions Club Coonamble and Aboriginal community organisation, Lee & Co.
“Coonamble Shire Council residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 7.4 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through two local return points since the scheme began in 2017,” said James Dorney, CEO of network operator Tomra Cleanaway.
“This depot is a fantastic outcome of our lengthy partnership with Coonamble Shire Council. Together, we’re making Return and Earn more accessible for the community and supporting local employment and training opportunities.
“The new depot’s ability to accept large loads of containers makes recycling convenient and accessible for locals far and wide, including hospitality venues, community groups, charities and collectors such as Tony White, Adam Cohen and Wayne Phillips, who have raised over $7620 for the Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund with Return and Earn.”
Up to 100 containers a minute can be processed by the depot, making it ideal for returning 500 or more containers at a time without the need to pre-sort containers.
Recyclers can have a receipt printed for the refund amount, which can be redeemed for cash at the council customer service office.
Soon, the depot will offer a ‘tag and drop’ service, allowing customers using the Return and Earn app to opt for payment directly into their bank or PayPal account or to choose to donate their refund to one of over 600 donation partners, including Little Wings, which provides air and land transport to seriously ill children and their families to access lifesaving medical treatment in city hospitals.
“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,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator Exchange for Change.
“More than $1.6 billion in container refunds has 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.”
Coonamble Return and Earn Depot is located at the Coonamble Waste Management Facility on Quambone Road. It is open Monday to Thursday between 7am to 4pm and between 9am and 4pm on weekends.
