THE New South Wales container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, has reached two major milestones with 16 billion bottles, cans and cartons returned by the community though local return points.

This equates to $1.6 billion in refunds back to recyclers and more than $100 million raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees.

The community has made ‘returning and earning’ a part of daily life in New South Wales.

Animal welfare, a helping hand for farmers, medical research, marine conservation and assistance for sick children are just a few of the many causes that have benefited from Return and Earn fundraising since the scheme began in December 2017.

Exchange for Change scheme co-ordinator, Danielle Smalley, said the New South Wales community has embraced the ability to donate containers to campaigns that are important to them through Return and Earn.

“Donating eligible bottles, cans and cartons allows anyone to support their favourite cause, without putting their hand in their pocket for a cash donation,” she said.

“All donations, big and small, collectively add up and have a big impact.”

Over the past year alone, New South Wales recyclers have shown strong support for Return and Earn’s major donation partners.

Together, they’ve raised $210,000 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute through the Jeans for Genes appeal and helped Guide Dogs NSW/ACT achieve $175,000 to help people with blindness and low vision.

Children’s education charity, The Smith Family, is the current statewide donation partner the community can support through container recycling.

The charity is hoping to raise $200,000, with just 30 donated containers able to fund one book for a disadvantaged student.

There are over 600 charities and community groups from all over New South Wales, big and small, listed on the Return and Earn app including the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, who care for sick and injured koalas.

Supporters have donated more than 230,000 containers to the koala hospital, raising more than $23,000 to help purchase vital equipment such as an x-ray dental plate and an ophthalmoscope to diagnose koala eye injuries and illnesses.

Return and Earn is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership between the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, scheme co-ordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

TOMRA Cleanaway network operator, James Dorney, said the 16 billion container milestone means $1.6 billion in container refunds has been returned to the community since Return and Earn began eight years ago.

“I’m proud that our network of over 660 return points across NSW is enabling the community to help their favourite cause,” he said.

“Return and Earn is a great example of the circular economy in action. It’s keeping drink containers in circulation, creating a cleaner environment and delivering financial benefits to individuals, charities, schools, community and sporting groups.”

For more information visit Return and Earn.