Return and Earn

The NSW Government is delivering the largest litter reduction scheme ever introduced in NSW, Return and Earn. Return and Earn will help to reduce the 160 million drink containers littered in our environment each year. Drink containers make up almost half of the volume of litter in NSW. 

Return and Earn locations

Key features

When the scheme is fully rolled out, there will be more than 500 collection points across the state, including in remote towns of more than 500 people and at 270 sites across the Greater Sydney Region.

The 10-cent refund at reverse vending machines will be provided as a voucher for in store redemption, electronic transfer, cash or may be donated to a community group.

Eligible containers include most glass, cans, plastic and paperboard drink containers between 150 millilitres and three litres – those most often found in the litter stream.

Containers not included in the scheme and do not qualify for a refund are:

  • Plain milk (or milk substitute) containers.
  • Flavoured milk containers of one litre or more.
  • Pure fruit or vegetable juice containers of one litre or more.
  • Glass containers for wine and spirits.
  • Casks (plastic bladders in boxes) for wine and casks for water of one litre or more.
  • Sachets for wine of 250 millilitres or more.
  • Containers for cordials, and concentrated fruit/vegetable juices.
  • Registered health tonics.

These drinks are predominantly consumed at home and are not found in the litter stream. They are also broadly similar to the exceptions in the South Australian and Northern Territory container deposit schemes, to aid consistency.

FAQs

Where is my nearest collection point?

Return and Earn Locations can be viewed on the map in this link.

How many collection points will there be across NSW?

There will be more than 500 Return and Earn collection points across NSW when the scheme is fully rolled out. The Network Operator, TOMRA-Cleanaway, will be finalising these locations over the coming months.

From 1 December who do I call if my collection point is not open or my RVM is broken?

The Network Operator, TOMRA-Cleanaway has a hotline number for people to call with any queries, complaints or feedback about collection points. Please call 1800 290 691 or email enquiries@tcnsw.com.au.

Can I still use my yellow bin for recycling?

Kerbside recycling remains very important to our community and Return and Earn is designed to complement this system. Eligible containers can continue to be placed in the kerbside system, and kerbside recycling will continue to be important for containers that are typically consumed at home, some of which aren’t eligible for a refund within Return and Earn. You will not personally receive the refund if you put containers in kerbside recycling. Instead your Council has the opportunity to enter into an agreement with its recycling facility to agree a refund sharing arrangement from those containers.

What is a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)?

A reverse vending machine (RVM) is the opposite of a drink dispensing machine. A person places their empty eligible drink container into the machine, the container is scanned to verify it is eligible and the person receives a voucher they can redeem for cash in a store nearby. These machines are designed to not to hold cash for security reasons.

How do I get paid my refund?

Consumers that use an RVM to return their containers will have three options to receive a refund payment:

  1. Donating to a selected a charity
  2. Receiving the refund into your registered account
  3. Taking a voucher into the retail partner to either redeem for cash or use towards your purchase

Can I crush my cans and bottles?

No. Do not crush containers prior to redeeming your refund. Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached. Containers must be verified as eligible before a refund is paid.

Do I need to remove the lid from my container?

No. Bottles with lids can go through RVMs without difficulty. The lids are a valuable resource and will be recycled too. We don’t want lids ending up as litter.

How do I become a collection point?

To register your interest to run a collection point visit the website of the Network Operator, TOMRA-Cleanaway and fill out their online form at TCNSW.com.au.

How can my school or community group use Return and Earn to fund raise?

  • Charities, schools, community or sporting groups can collect donations of empty eligible containers for the charity or community group to then redeem them at an approved collection point.
  • Charities, community groups and social enterprises can also work with the Network Operator to set up and run collection points in exchange for a service fee.

More information

More information, including updated Return and Earn locations can be found at returnandearn.org.au.

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