Bathurst residents can now enjoy a more convenient recycling experience with the launch of an innovative “takes-all” trial for the Return and Earn program.
This initiative is designed to streamline the process of recycling eligible drink containers in the region, Return and Earn said in a news release.
Recent upgrades to local machines allow users to deposit all eligible containers into a single chute, eliminating the need to pre-sort items.
This technological advancement speeds up the process, making it easier for individuals to receive the 10-cent refund for every container returned.
The upgraded Return and Earn machines are located at:
- Service NSW Return and Earn Machine
2 Bradwardine Rd, Robin Hill
Open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. - OpShop Kelso Return and Earn Machine
8 Lions Club Drive, Kelso
Open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Recyclers will continue to have the option to print vouchers for their refunds. These can be redeemed for cash at designated redemption partners or converted into e-vouchers or direct payments via the Return and Earn app.
James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn, expressed enthusiasm for the changes.
“Bathurst residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 124 million eligible bottles, cans, and cartons through local return points since the scheme began.”
He added, “These improvements to local return points will make it even easier and quicker to return your eligible bottles and cans and pocket the refund.”
In addition to benefiting individual recyclers, the Return and Earn program supports charitable initiatives.
Participants can choose to donate their refunds to over 300 partners listed in the Return and Earn app.
Currently, the program is also backing a state-wide donation appeal for Little Wings, which provides free transport for seriously ill or injured children and their families in rural and regional NSW.
Since its inception in 2017, Return and Earn has raised over $62 million for various charities and community groups across NSW.
More than 12 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling through a network of over 640 return points, resulting in over $1.2 billion in refunds returned to the community.
Dorney encouraged locals to embrace the program: “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.”
For further information on the Return and Earn initiative, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.
