Headshot of a man wearing a black vest in front of a teal background

“This summer, Australians didn’t just recycle bottles and cans, they made it a ritual. From Tasmania’s first full summer operating a Container Refund Scheme to record-breaking volumes across all our operating states, what we’re seeing isn’t a spike in numbers, it’s a change in behaviour.”

James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Australians are embracing container recycling like never before, with refund schemes across multiple states delivering record-breaking returns, strong community participation, and millions of dollars back into people’s pockets.

Across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania, container refund initiatives continue to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits, supported by TOMRA Cleanaway’s expanding network of high‑performing return points.

Return and Earn Continues to Break Records in NSW

The NSW Return and Earn scheme has cemented its position as one of Australia’s most successful recycling programs.
By early 2025, more than 15 billion drink containers had been returned through the network, delivering over $1.5 billion in refunds back to the community.

The scheme also delivered:

TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the results highlight how returning bottles, cans and cartons has become part of everyday life for NSW households, turning what was once waste into a valuable resource stream.

Two siblings standing in front of an orange and blue reverse vending machine, holding plastic bottles in the return rings.
Picture of two people standing in front of a Recycle Rewards reverse vending machine holding a box of empty used aluminium cans.

Nationwide Momentum Builds Across All States and Territories

Australia is now fully covered by container refund schemes, with every state and territory operating its own program—an achievement attributed to decades of growth in public participation, accessible refund infrastructure, and clear environmental impact.

Recent data shows:

  • NSW has returned more than 15 billion containers, recycling around 1.1 million tonnes of material.
  • Victoria’s West Zone has already processed around 1.18 billion containers, generating $118 million in refunds. The West Zone recorded 10 separate days of 2 million+ container returns over the 2025/26 summer period.
  • Tasmania’s newly launched program collected over 1.2 million containers in its first four days, demonstrating instant community uptake.

A decade-long study even found a 39% reduction in coastal plastic pollution, with container schemes a contributing factor to cleaner waterways nationwide.

Picture of two people standing in front of a Recycle Rewards reverse vending machine holding a box of empty used aluminium cans.

A Win for the Circular Economy

With every state and territory now participating, container refund schemes are reshaping recycling across Australia by:

  • Diverting billions of bottles and cans from landfill.
  • Providing a stable, high‑quality stream of recyclable material for remanufacturing.
  • Supporting charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
  • Reducing litter and improving coastal environments.

TOMRA Cleanaway continues to play a central role in delivering these outcomes, operating return point networks in NSW, Victoria’s west zone, and Tasmania. The joint venture’s high‑tech, high‑capacity refund points are helping Australians recycle more conveniently and more consistently.