Container deposit scheme Return and Earn has launched its ‘Takes All’ trial in Bathhurst, New South Wales, which it says is set to transform how the community recycles their bottles and cans.
Through the Takes All initiative, there will be no longer any need to pre-sort containers, as all eligible containers can now be all dropped through any single chute at several updated collection machines – making it faster to return and earn the 10c refund.
The upgrades have been made to the following Return and Earn machines:
- Lithgow Valley Plaza Return and Earn machine located on the corner of Lithgow St and Bent St. Open daily from 7:00am to 10:00pm.
- Portland Golf Club Return and Earn machine located at 33 Bell Street, Portland. Open daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
- Bernardi’s Marketplace – Blayney Return and Earn machine located at 12 Farm Lane, Blayney. Open daily from 7:00am to 10:00pm.
“Residents of the Bathurst region, including community members in Lithgow, Blayney and Portland, are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 164 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney, CEO of Tomra Cleanaway, the network operator for the scheme.
“These improvements to local return points will make it even easier and quicker to return your eligible bottles and cans and pocket the refund.”
Recyclers can still print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed for cash at the redemption partner listed on the machine, or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
Locals can also choose to donate their refund to one of over 300 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app or support the current state-wide donation appeal for Little Wings, who provide free air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and remote areas across NSW, allowing for life-saving medical treatments.
Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW, with over $62 million having already been raised from donations and fees via hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017.
“I encourage everyone in the region to continue to make Return and Earn a part of your routine,” Dorney said.
“Together, we are all 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.”
Since the inception of Return and Earn, more than 12 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling through the network of over 630 return points across NSW, resulting in over $1.2 billion in container refunds back in people’s pockets.
