Many happy returns for container deposit scheme
We are celebrating Return and Earn’s 5th birthday this month with more than 8 billion containers returned since the scheme’s inception on 1 December 2017. This is a great example of a circular economy in action and one that has captured the hearts and pockets of all
Industry and the community are celebrating Return and Earns 5th Birthday
NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said that Return and Earn has truly changed the way people think about recycling and litter and has supercharged our push towards a circular economy in NSW.
“It’s hard to believe in only five years we’ve shifted behaviour so successfully that returning a drink carton, bottle or can to one of the more than 600 return points across NSW is a routine part of life,” Mr Griffin said.
“Importantly this scheme puts money back into the hands of community groups and charities too, and it has generated $40 million in donations and fees from hosting return points so far.
“Many organisations across NSW can continue their important outreach work that benefits and supports some of the most vulnerable people in our community thanks to funding raised via the scheme.”
Return and Earn expansion on the table
The NSW Government have proposed expanding the scheme to include glass wine and spirits bottles as well as larger containers.
The proposed expansion would see up to an additional 400 million eligible bottles recycled each year, including 233 million glass bottles.
In November, we consulted with industry and communities across NSW through nine information sessions and received more than 800 submissions. All feedback from public consultation is now being reviewed and considered.
