Residents of Merriwa can now take advantage of a new “takes all” trial launched by the Return and Earn program, aimed at simplifying the recycling process for eligible bottles and cans.
This innovative feature allows users to drop all qualifying containers into any single chute of the upgraded Return and Earn machine, eliminating the need for pre-sorting and speeding up the process of receiving the 10-cent refund for each container.
The improvements have been made to the Return and Earn machine located at the Merriwa Sports Club, situated at 46-48 King George V Avenue.
The machine is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it convenient for residents to participate in the recycling initiative.
“Upper Hunter Shire Council residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 26 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 Return and Earn.
“These improvements to local return points make it even easier and quicker to return your eligible bottles and cans and pocket the refund.”
Users of the upgraded machine can choose to print a voucher for their refund, which can be redeemed for cash at Woolworths.
Alternatively, they can opt for an e-voucher or have their refund paid directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
Additionally, locals have the option to donate their refunds to one of over 300 charitable partners listed on the app.
Since the launch of the Return and Earn program in 2017, it has become a fundraising channel for various charities and community groups in New South Wales.
To date, over $62 million has been raised through donations and fees from hosting return points.
More than 12 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling across a network of over 640 return points statewide, resulting in over $1.2 billion in container refunds returned to the community.
“I encourage everyone in the region to continue to make Return and Earn a part of your routine. 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,” Dorney added.
For further information about the Return and Earn initiative, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.
