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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.
Find out which containers can be returned through Return and Earn for 10 cents each.
There are different types of return points available. Find the one nearest or most convenient for you.
Every eligible container is worth 10c. You can keep the refund or donate it to a worthy cause.
Total number of containers collected through the Return and Earn network of return points since scheme commencement (Dec 2017). This figure is updated daily.
This rate represents the percentage of NSW adults who support the Return and Earn scheme.
Source: Verian consumer research results (June 2024)
This rate represents the percentage of NSW adults who have participated in Return and Earn
Source: Verian consumer research results (June 2024)
This rate represents the percentage of participants that are satisfied with the scheme.
Source: Verian consumer research results (June 2024)
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.
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.
Figure as at March 2024.
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.
Figure April 2023 – March 2024.
Results based on the KLIS. Percentage represents the reduction of eligible CDS beverage container litter (items).
Source: EPA CDS beverage container litter – 2020–21 CDS litter
Total amount returned to charities and community groups via donations at return points and fees for hosting return points as at June 2024. This figure does not include informal fundraising activities by community groups.
Source: Network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway
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