Tamworth residents now have a new location to recycle eligible bottles, cans, and cartons with the installation of a Return and Earn machine at the Tamworth Home Centre.
The new facility at 437 Goonoo Goonoo Road, Hillvue, becomes the eighth return point in the Tamworth Regional Council area, providing residents with an additional convenient option to recycle drink containers and claim a 10-cent refund.
According to Return and Earn, the local community has been actively participating in the scheme, returning more than 164 million eligible containers since its launch.
James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn, acknowledged the enthusiasm of Tamworth residents for recycling.
“Residents in the Tamworth region are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 164 million eligible bottles, cans, and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” Dorney said.
Statewide, the Return and Earn initiative has collected over 13 billion drink containers through its network of more than 660 return points, with over $1.3 billion refunded to participants.
The new Tamworth Home Centre machine features two chutes for lightweight containers, such as aluminium cans, plastic bottles, and cartons, as well as two chutes for glass containers, ensuring an efficient recycling process. The facility operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Participants can choose how to receive their refunds, either by printing a voucher redeemable for cash at Coles, opting for an e-voucher, or selecting direct payment to their bank or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app.
Residents can also use the program to support charitable causes. More than 300 donation partners are listed on the Return and Earn app, including local organisations such as the Tamworth branch of the Animal Welfare League, which provides financial assistance to pet owners and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Additionally, participants can donate to Foodbank NSW & ACT, a food relief charity that provides meals to individuals and families in need.
According to Return and Earn, the donation of just five containers contributes to one meal through Foodbank.
