Residents of Scone and the broader Upper Hunter region now have a convenient new location to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Return and Earn machine.
Exchange For Change, the coordinator of the container deposit schemes within New South Wales, said the machine is situated in the car park of the historic Campbells Corner building, providing locals with easy access to redeem their containers for the 10-cent refund.
This newly established return point comes as a replacement for a machine removed earlier this year due to redevelopment.
Its inauguration adds a valuable resource for the community to continue its commitment to recycling.
James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for the Return and Earn scheme, commended the enthusiasm of Upper Hunter Council residents for recycling.
Since the inception of the scheme, over 23 million eligible bottles, cans, and cartons have been returned locally, resulting in more than $2.3 million in container refunds returned to the community.
Recyclers have the flexibility to choose how they receive their refund. They can opt for a voucher, which can be redeemed for cash at Coles, or use the Return and Earn app for an e-voucher or direct payment into their bank or PayPal account.
Additionally, the machine allows residents to contribute to charitable causes. Hunter Wildlife Rescue is currently featured as the local donation partner, with funds raised supporting volunteers dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured native wildlife.
James Dorney highlighted the broader impact of Return and Earn, stating that Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups across NSW, raising over $47 million since its launch in 2017.
The Scone Return and Earn machine also enable users to donate their refunds to the current state-wide donation appeal in support of the RFS Benevolent Fund, assisting Rural Fire Service members and their families during challenging times.
Since its initiation in 2017, Return and Earn has contributed significantly to recycling efforts in NSW, with more than 10.7 billion containers returned for recycling through the extensive network of almost 620 return points.
This has resulted in over $1.07 billion in refunds returned to the community, encouraging a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
“I encourage everyone to make ‘returning and earning’ part of your weekly routine if you haven’t already and together, we can all do our bit to contribute to a more sustainable future where materials are kept in the loop and out of landfill and the litter stream,” Dorney said.
The Scone Return and Earn machine, located at 167 Kelly Street, Scone, in the car park of Campbells Corner, is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
For further details about the Return and Earn program, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.
