MOREE has recycled 34,988,000 items since the launch of drink container recycling scheme, Return and Earn, was launched across New South Wales in December, 2017.

Moree’s total includes 15,846,474 aluminium cans and 10,826,643 glass bottles.

Neighbouring Narrabri Shire recycled 34,465,437 items and Gwydir Shire recycled 12,443,741 items.

Inverell Shire recycled a whopping 40,484,975 items and westward in the Walgett Shire, 11,479,019 items were recycled.

Collectively, there was 8252 tonnes of items recycled across the four local government areas.

The Return and Earn recycling scheme Local Government Volumes Report was released last week, with more than 12.5 billion drink containers returned for recycling through its return point network across New South Wales.

There are more than 650 return points across NSW including Return and Earn machines, automated depots and over-the-counter return points.

Return and Earn CEO Danielle Smalley said the scheme is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership with scheme co-ordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

“It’s been amazing to see so many people make Return and Earn part of their regular routine and the incredible positive impact their participation is having with two out of three drink containers sold in NSW being returned and 1,077,338 tonnes of materials recycled to a 73 per cent reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels,” Ms Smalley said.

“Funded by the beverage industry, Return and Earn is a leading example of effective product stewardship.

“In addition to the environmental benefits, we have also seen $1.25 billion in container refunds put back in people’s pockets, and over $62 million raised for charities and community groups through donations and fees from hosting return points,” she said.

The latest consumer research shows support and trust in Return and Earn is at an all-time high, respectively 93 per cent and 78 per cent of New South Wales  adults, with three out of five ‘returning and earning’ monthly or more. TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the return point network continues to grow.

“We’re proud to invest in technological upgrades to make recycling even easier for the community. Over the last 12 months, we’ve added 103 new return points to the network including new return point formats as well as upgrades to some machines to ‘takes-all’. All with the aim of making it quicker and easier to return your drink containers and pocket the refund,” Mr Dorney said.

“Over the upcoming busy summer holidays, we expect more than 9 million drink containers will be returned every day by the community. It’s a busy time of year so we encourage everyone to check the live status of their nearest return point through the Return and Earn app or website before visiting.

“Return and Earn is the triple-threat of recycling – providing significant social, economic and environmental benefits to the NSW community while contributing to a more sustainable, waste-free future,” he said.

For more information visit www.returnandearn.com.au