Parkes residents now have a new destination to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at the Parkes Services Club.
This latest addition marks the third return point in the Parkes Shire Council area, giving locals increased opportunities to participate in the recycling scheme and earn a 10-cent refund per container, as revealed in a news release.
“Parkes Share Council residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over39.4 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the operator of the Return and Earn network.
The new machine offers several refund options. Users can print a voucher to redeem for cash at Coles or opt for digital payments directly to their bank or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app.
Additionally, residents can donate their refunds to various charitable partners listed in the app.
One of the key donation options currently available is a state-wide appeal supporting Little Wings, a charity that provides free air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and remote areas of NSW, helping them access critical medical treatment.
Since the scheme’s inception, more than 12 billion containers have been recycled through the network of over 630 return points across NSW, putting over $1.2 billion back into the community through refunds.
Return and Earn serves as a fundraising platform for numerous charities and community groups across NSW, generating over $62 million through donations and hosting fees since its launch.
Dorney emphasised the importance of the new Parkes machine in encouraging locals to make recycling part of their daily habits.
“Together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials from our bottles, cans, and cartons are kept in use and out of landfill,” Dorney said.
The new machine is located in the Parkes Services Club car park at 20 Caledonia Street and operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
For more details, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.
