Residents of Caringbah now have a more convenient option for recycling their eligible bottles, cartons, and cans with the launch of a new Return and Earn machine at HomeCo. Caringbah.
This marks the 13th return point in the Sutherland Shire, offering locals an additional location to redeem their containers for a 10-cent refund per item, as revealed in a news release.
“Sutherland Shire residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 232 million eligible bottles, cans, and cartons through local return points since Return and Earn started,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn.
The machine provides recyclers with multiple refund options. Users can print a voucher to redeem for cash at Woolworths or choose to receive their refund electronically via the Return and Earn app, with payment options including bank transfer, PayPal, or e-voucher.
In addition to these options, locals can donate their refund to over 300 charities listed on the Return and Earn app.
The current statewide donation partner is Little Wings, a charity that offers free air and ground transport to seriously ill children from regional and remote NSW, ensuring access to life-saving medical care.
Return and Earn has grown into a significant fundraising tool for charities and community groups across New South Wales, with over $62 million raised from donations and fees since the program’s launch in 2017.
The scheme also recently celebrated a major milestone, with 12 billion drink containers returned for recycling through its network of over 630 return points. This has resulted in more than $1.2 billion in refunds being distributed back to the community.
“I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of their routine, to help reduce litter, protect the environment, and earn a little extra cash,” said Dorney.
The new Return and Earn machine at HomeCo. Caringbah is located on level 3 of the car park at 220 Taren Point Road.
It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For more information about the Return and Earn program, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.
