4 Tips to Turn Summer Drinks into Extra Cash
Summer means sunshine, celebrations, and plenty of cold drinks. But with more beverages comes more empty containers. Instead of tossing them, turn them into cash and help the environment. Here’s how to make container returns easy this summer.
Dedicate a bin, bag or box to make recycling easy.
1. Store Your Containers
- Make use of a dedicated bag, bin or box to keep all your eligible drink containers aside from your other recyclables
- Check which eligible drink containers you have with the relevant local CDS App – Return and Earn, CDS Vic West Zone, and Recycle Rewards
- Bring drink containers home from when you are out and about – make every container count.
Getting your family, friends, kids, partners, neighbours all in on the recycling process is unifying! Seeing how many containers can be collected over a collection drive period, over Christmas and New Year for example, is a way to save for the next group gathering OR to donate to a local charity or community group that is meaningful.
The Recycle Rewards app makes it easy for recyclers in Tasmania to get their 10c refunds
2. Use Your Local App for Hassle-Free Returns
Download the CDS Vic West, Return and Earn or Recycle Rewards app to:
- Find your nearest return point, or a return point to suit the volume of containers you have to recycle
- Check live status of your nearest return point to find out when it is operating and accepting containers
- View opening hours to make sure you can visit when suits you
- Get directions to refund points
Once you have determined the best time to visit your local return point, get your family and friends to tag along to help you with your haul!
Plan your trip ahead of time to beat the crowds and make returning containers a breeze.
3. Beat the Summer Rush
Plan your visit during quiet periods:
- Tuesday to Thursday
- 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
These times are typically less busy, so you can cash in quickly and get back to enjoying summer. It’s important to check the operating hours of your return point and known before you go! Many of our depot’s do not operate on Sunday, to ensure their staff have time to rest and recuperate. Recycling can be hot business in the summer!
NSW Return and Earn has over 40 Depots for bulk recycling - Rouse hill is the newest
4. Go Big at a Depot
Hosting parties or stocking up for summer? If you’ve got large quantities of containers, head to a Depot:
- Designed for bulk returns
- Automatic sorting and counting
- Faster refunds for bigger hauls
- Your refund can be transferred digitally
Perfect for turning those summer celebrations into serious savings.
Why It Matters
Every container you return:
- Puts cash in your pocket
- Reduces litter
- Supports a circular economy
It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
To learn more about TOMRA Cleanaway’s offering in New South Wales, Victoria (West Zone) and Tasmania, check out our website.
