3 Jun 2022

NSW Return & Earn Scheme Update

by | posted in: Life | 0

Return and Earn is the largest litter reduction initiative introduced in NSW, which commenced on 1 December 2017. The Return and Earn container deposit scheme is a NSW Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. It offers a 10c refund to consumers for depositing eligible drink containers at return points across NSW.

Since launching, the scheme has collected nearly 5 billion containers through its 600+ return points and has helped reduce the volume of eligible drink container litter across the state.

Before NSW introduced the Return and Earn scheme, more than 160 million drink containers littered our streets, beaches, waterways and parks. Drink container litter made up 44 per cent of the volume of litter in the state and cost more than $162 million a year to manage.

Here’s everything you need to know to get in on the action.

Local Return and Earn locations

We’ve listed the closest locations to the Ryde area, or you can find a return point here.

Automated Depot

Reverse Vending Machine

  • Top Ryde City Shopping Centre (Express) – location outside on Ground, opposite St George Bank.
  • Henley Community Centre Carpark off Crown Street (near Riverside Preschool)
  • Woolworths Marsfield Carpark – corner of Balaclava Rd & Epping Rd Marsfield
  • Macquarie Centre Carpark – corner of Waterloo Rd & Herring Rd, Macquarie Park. Enter via the Woolworths carpark on Talavera Rd
  • SUPA IGA Meadowbank – 11A Bay Drive, Meadowbank
  • Caltex Concord West – 369 – 375 Concord Rd, Concord West
  • Briars Sports Club Car Park – Ian Parade, Concord
  • Sydney Markets Flemington – 318 Parramatta Rd, Homebush West
  • Marina Square Wentworth Point – 5 Footbridge Blvd, Wentworth Point
  • TOMRA Reserve Vending Centre Rydalmere – 283 Victoria Road, Rydalmere

 

Over The Counter

  • Manila Mart – 23 Ryedale Road, West Ryde
  • Cantoven – 33 Rydedale Road West Ryde
  • Ryedale Road Newsagency – 31 Ryedale Road West Ryde
  • Inmi Convenience Store – 128 Quarry Road, Ryde
  • Gladesville Four Square – 30 Pittwater Road, Gladesville
  • North Epping Newsagency – 2/288 Malton Road, North Epping
  • Sunethra Spice World – 843 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford
  • Concord West Supermarket – 33 Victoria Avenue, Concord West
  • Dundas Village Newsagency – 2 Station Street, Dundas
  • R & L Mini Mart – 55 Adderton Road, Telopea

 

How the different drop points work

Reverse vending machines

A Reverse Vending machine (RVM) is the opposite of a vending machine – the consumer simply places empty, uncrushed and unbroken drink containers into the RVM where they are scanned and processed. It will take up to 500 eligible containers in any one transaction. If eligible, the RVM will provide a refund in one of three ways mentioned above.

Over-the-counter collection points

An over-the-counter (OTC) collection point is a place you can take smaller quantities of eligible drink containers (usually up to 100 containers). The collection point operator will ensure the containers are eligible and are uncrushed and unbroken. After verifying and counting, a refund of 10 cents per container is provided in cash.

Automated depots

An automated depot provides consumers with a high volume (over 500 eligible containers) collection point. The automated depot has a mechanical scanning and counting system that provides for efficient processing of bulk lodgements. Refunds are processed as a retail refund. Donations and digital refunds are not available from automated depots.

 

How do I get my refund?

When you return containers at a reverse vending machine, you can obtain a refund in three ways:

  1. Receive a voucher to be redeemed for cash or in-store credit at a participating retail partner (such as a Woolworths)
  2. Register to receive a direct payment to your designated bank account via PayPal (you need to download the app first!)
  3. Donate the refund to charities and community groups linked to the reverse vending machines

(The reverse vending machines do not hold cash).

What can I return?

Most 150ml to 3-litre drink containers (UNCRUSHED) will be eligible for a 10 cent refund at an approved NSW collection point including:

  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Aluminium
  • Steel
  • Liquid paperboard (cartons)
  • Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label attached.

 

 

What can’t I return?

Containers that can’t be deposited for a refund include:

  • Plain milk (or milk substitute) containers
  • Flavoured milk containers of one litre or more
  • Pure fruit or vegetable juice containers of one litre or more
  • Glass containers for wine and spirits
  • Casks (plastic bladders in boxes) for wine or water of one litre or more
  • Sachets for wine of 250ml or more
  • Containers for cordials and concentrated fruit/vegetable juices
  • Registered health tonics
  • Containers that have been crushed

If a container isn’t eligible for a refund, please use a recycling bin.

 

Let’s Go!

Ok, so you’re ready to do your bit! Before you go, save time by separating your glass from plastic and cans into reusable tubs before you leave home. Remember, bottle lids can be recycled if you leave them on and if you’re using an express bulk depot, you don’t need to sort.

 

Good luck!!