“We are proud of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by locals in embracing the Blacktown Container Return Depot. Together, we’ve not only achieved significant environmental milestones but have also strengthened our community, demonstrating the strong impact collective action can have.”
James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.
The Blacktown community has reached a remarkable recycling milestone, with more than 200 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons returned through the Blacktown Return and Earn Depot since it opened in January 2018.
To celebrate the achievement, community representatives, government stakeholders, charity partners and Return and Earn leaders gathered at the Kings Park depot to recognise the collective effort that has helped make Blacktown one of NSW’s strongest performing recycling communities.
A milestone powered by community participation
Operated by Sell & Parker, the Blacktown Return and Earn depot provides a vital bulk return solution for residents, charities, community groups and businesses across the region. The depot accepts large volumes of eligible bottle, can and carton returns, including trailer, ute, truck and charity collection loads, making it an important part of the local circular economy.
The event highlighted the incredible impact local residents have made through Return and Earn network. To date, Blacktown City Council residents have returned more than 865 million containers through the area’s 28 return points, with the Blacktown depot alone processing over 200 million containers.
The environmental benefits of those returns are significant. Recycling 200 million containers has delivered:
• Energy savings equivalent to powering over 2,730 households for a year.
• Water conservation equal to filling 469 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• Carbon dioxide emissions reduction equivalent with taking over 14,500 cars off the road for a year.
Bringing together leaders from across the Return and Earn network
The celebration welcomed a broad range of representatives from government, industry, community organisations and the Return and Earn network.
Attendees included:
- Steven Bali MP, Member for Blacktown
- Luke Parker, CEO, Sell & Parker
- James Dorney, CEO, TOMRA Cleanaway
- Danielle Smalley, CEO, Exchange for Change
- Representatives from Blacktown City Council
- Community and charity representatives from The Smith Family and Ronald McDonald House Australia
- Members of the Sell & Parker, TOMRA Cleanaway and Exchange for Change teams.
During the event, speakers reflected on the growth of Return and Earn across NSW, which has now seen more than 16 billion containers returned since the scheme launched in 2017. Guests also toured the Blacktown facility and learned more about the role depots play in supporting bulk container recycling across the state.
Recognising Sell & Parker’s contribution
The milestone also shines a spotlight on the significant contribution made by Sell & Parker to the Return and Earn network.
In addition to operating the Blacktown depot, Sell & Parker manages four other Return and Earn depots across NSW and has processed a over 660 million containers through its network of facilities.
Speaking at the event, Sell & Parker CEO Luke Parker reflected on the journey to the 200 million container milestone at Blacktown Return and Earn Depot and the importance of making recycling easy and accessible for local communities. The Blacktown depot’s success demonstrates how convenient return points can drive long-term recycling participation while delivering tangible environmental and community benefits.
Supporting charities and community organisations
The event also celebrated the role Blacktown Return and Earn Depot plays in supporting community organisations through container donations and fundraising initiatives.
Representatives from The Smith Family and Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia joined the milestone event, highlighting the positive impact container refunds can have when directed towards charitable causes.
Sell & Parker has also demonstrated its commitment to the local community through direct support initiatives, recently joining with their customers in donating more than $12,000 to Better Foundation Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to help support health services and research in Western Sydney.
Looking ahead
As Return and Earn continues to grow across NSW, milestones such as Blacktown’s 200 millionth container demonstrate the power of collaboration between local communities, depot operators, charities and scheme partners.
Every container returned helps reduce litter, conserve valuable resources and create opportunities for community fundraising. Thanks to the ongoing support of Blacktown residents, the Blacktown Return and Earn depot remains a leading example of how recycling can deliver lasting environmental and social benefits for local communities.
The Blacktown Container Return depot is located at 66 Tattersall Road, Kings Park, NSW, 2148. It is open from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday, 7.00 am to 3.00 pm Saturdays and closed Sundays.
