Container Deposit Scheme

The NSW Government’s container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, will help reduce drink container litter by providing a refund for eligible containers.

Under the program, residents are able to go to any of the NSW collections points to return containers and receive a 10 cent refund, which can be redeemed at a retail partner store or donated to a charity.

For more information on the program visit the NSW program website.

Frequently asked questions

What is Return and Earn?

From 1 December 2017 anyone who returns an eligible drink container to an approved NSW Collection Point will receive a 10 cent refund. Return and Earn will help to reduce litter in the environment and help the Government achieve its goal to reduce litter volume by 40 per cent by 2020.

What containers are eligible?

Most drink containers between 150 millilitres and three litres that are purchased in NSW will be eligible, with some exceptions. A NSW refund mark will be introduced but until then any container of 150mls or more that includes a South Australian or Northern Territory refund mark is eligible. Eligible containers include those most commonly consumed out of the home and found in the NSW litter stream. Further details can be found at: www.returnandearn.org.au

Where is my nearest collection point?

You can check out the nearest collection point at the Return and Earn website.

How do I get my refund?

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

• Receive a voucher to be redeemed for cash or an in-store credit at a participating retail partner

• Register to receive a direct payment to your designated bank account via PayPal

• Donate the refund to charities and community groups linked to the reverse vending machines

The reverse vending machines do not hold cash. If a container isn’t eligible for a refund, please use a recycling bin.

Can I still use my yellow bin?

Yes. Kerbside recycling remains important to our community, and Return and Earn will complement it. Kerbside recycling is particularly suitable for containers that are typically consumed at home; some of which aren’t eligible for a refund via Return and Earn.

How is Return and Earn different from my council kerbside collection?

Eligible containers can continue to be placed in the kerbside system as Return and Earn will complement kerbside recycling. Kerbside recycling is geared toward containers you consume at home, some of which aren’t eligible for a refund under Return and Earn. If you put eligible containers in kerbside recycling, the refunds may