Gunnedah residents now have an added convenience for recycling their eligible bottles, cartons, and cans with the opening of a new Return and Earn machine at Coles.
This is the second return point in the Gunnedah City Council area, offering local community members an easier way to redeem the 10-cent refund on eligible containers, as stated in a news release.
“Gunnedah residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 36 million eligible bottles, cans, and cartons through local return points since Return and Earn began,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn.
Recyclers using the new machine can print a voucher for the refund, which can be redeemed for cash at Coles, or opt for an e-voucher or a direct payment into their bank or PayPal accounts via the Return and Earn app.
In addition, users have the option to donate their refund to one of over 300 charity partners listed on the Return and Earn app, including Foodbank NSW & ACT, the current statewide donation partner.
Foodbank provides essential food relief to individuals and families across New South Wales and the ACT.
Since its launch in 2017, the Return and Earn program has raised more than $62 million through donations and hosting return points.
Over 12 billion drink containers have been returned across NSW, resulting in more than $1.2 billion in refunds back to the community.
“I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of your routine to help reduce litter, protect the environment, and get a bit of extra cash for your efforts,” said Dorney.
The new Return and Earn machine is located at the Coles car park, 80/98 Little Conadilly St, Gunnedah, and is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
For more information about the Return and Earn scheme, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.
