Return & Earn

Return and Earn is the largest litter reduction scheme ever introduced in NSW. The program helps reduce the millions of drink containers that end up littered in the environment each year. Drink containers make up almost half of the total litter volume in NSW, and Return and Earn plays an important role in reducing waste, increasing recycling, and protecting the environment.

Under the scheme, consumers can return eligible drink containers to approved collection points and receive a 10‑cent refund per container. Containers must be empty, uncrushed, unbroken, and have the original label attached, including the barcode.

Across NSW, there are hundreds of collection points, which may include reverse vending machines (RVMs), over‑the‑counter return sites, and recycling centres. Collection point locations can be found using the online map available through the NSW EPA website.

You can participate by taking eligible drink containers to an approved collection point and receiving a 10‑cent refund for each container returned. Containers must be empty, uncrushed, unbroken, and labelled.

Most drink containers between 150 millilitres and 3 litres are eligible for a refund.

Eligible materials include:

The following containers are not included in the scheme and do not qualify for a refund:

Return and Earn collection points are being established across NSW by the scheme’s network operator, TOMRA‑Cleanaway. An online map is available via the NSW EPA website to help you locate your nearest collection point.

A reverse vending machine is the opposite of a drink vending machine. You place your empty eligible container into the machine, which scans it to confirm eligibility. You then receive a refund voucher. For security reasons, RVMs do not dispense cash directly.

When using an RVM, you can choose to:

Yes. Kerbside recycling remains an important part of waste management and continues to operate alongside Return and Earn. Eligible containers can still be placed in your recycling bin, however you will not receive the 10‑cent refund if they are recycled this way.

No. Containers must not be crushed. They need to be verified as eligible before a refund is provided, so they must be empty, uncrushed, unbroken, and labelled.

No. Bottles with lids can be returned through RVMs without difficulty. Lids are a valuable recyclable material and should be left on to prevent them becoming litter.

Yes. Schools, charities, community groups, and sporting clubs can collect eligible drink containers and return them for refunds as a fundraising activity. Groups can also work with the network operator to establish and run collection points in exchange for a service fee.

To register your interest in operating a Return and Earn collection point, visit the TOMRA‑Cleanaway website and complete the online application form at www.TCNSW.com.au.

The main beneficiaries of the scheme are the environment and the broader community. Over time, Return and Earn is expected to: