The popular NSW container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, is celebrating eight successful years of recycling, refunding and keeping litter out of the environment.

The scale of Return and Earn’s incredible impact includes over 14.7 billion drink containers returned through the statewide network of more than 660 return points and over $1.4 billion in container refunds returned to recyclers.

That includes 507,042,703 containers recycled in the Penrith Local Government Area.

Since launching on 1 December 2017, Return and Earn has changed behaviour to make recycling part of everyday routines.

Return and Earn has also become a great way to fundraise for many charities and community groups in NSW. More than $82 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme began.

The scheme’s birthday coincides with Return and Earn releasing the latest Local Government Area Network Volume Report, which shows eight years of enthusiastic community participation in the scheme by council area.

To read the Local Government Volume Report, visit Return and Earn Network Volume Report.

Households are encouraged to check the live status of their nearest return point on the Return and Earn app or website before visiting.

For more information on Return and Earn, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.

Quote attributable to Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM:

“Two out of every three containers sold in NSW are returned for the 10c refund, showing just how much the community values Return and Earn.

“Here in Penrith our community has returned around 507,042,703 containers which is a fantastic achievement.

“Return and Earn is delivering both environmental and economic outcomes. It reduces containers going to landfill, contributes to NSW’s circular economy, as well as putting refunds back in people’s pockets.”