Coonamble Shines a Spotlight on New Return and Earn Depot

A shared commitment between Coonamble Shire Council and TOMRA Cleanaway is delivering greater recycling access, local employment opportunities and fundraising benefits for communities in remote NSW.

The official opening of the Coonamble Return and Earn Depot marks the culmination of years of collaboration, planning and investment between Coonamble Shire Council and TOMRA Cleanaway, creating the state’s first remote high-speed Return and Earn depot and bringing bulk container recycling services to the region.

The new Coonamble Return and Earn depot was officially opened on Friday, 16 October, with a celebration attended by Coonamble Shire Council Deputy Mayor Steven Butler and local community groups and charities.

Located at the Coonamble Waste Management Facility, the depot has already processed more than 230,000 eligible drink containers since commencing operations in August 2026, demonstrating strong local demand for convenient container recycling services.

Capable of processing up to 100 containers per minute, the depot provides an efficient solution for residents, businesses, hospitality venues, schools, charities and community groups returning large volumes of eligible bottles, cans and cartons.

For TOMRA Cleanaway, the opening represents far more than a new return point. It highlights what can be achieved when local government and industry work together to create long-term environmental and community outcomes.

James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, said the project would not have been possible without the determination and commitment shown by Coonamble Shire Council.

“This depot is the result of a shared vision between TOMRA Cleanaway and Coonamble Shire Council to make Return and Earn more accessible for regional communities.
“The Council demonstrated incredible tenacity throughout the planning and development process and made a significant co-investment in the project. Their commitment to improving recycling infrastructure for the community helped turn this depot from an idea into a reality.
“We are incredibly grateful for Council’s partnership and leadership. Together, we’ve delivered infrastructure that will serve residents, businesses, community groups and visitors across the region for years to come.”

Mr Dorney said the partnership demonstrates how regional communities can successfully expand access to circular economy initiatives.

“When councils and industry partners work together, we can deliver practical environmental solutions that create genuine local benefits. This depot is a great example of that in action.”

The new depot builds on the strong support already shown for Return and Earn across the region. Since the scheme launched in 2017, residents of Coonamble Shire have returned almost 7.5 million eligible containers through local return points.

The facility makes it easier than ever for community members to participate in Return and Earn, while also creating opportunities for local employment, training and fundraising.

In the coming months, customers will also be able to access Tag and Drop, allowing container refunds to be paid directly into a bank account or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app, or donated to one of more than 600 donation partners.

The opening event brought together community leaders, charities, and environmental advocates to celebrate the new facility and its potential impact on the region.

Among those recognised were representatives from the Coonamble Cancer Survivors Fund, the Lions Club of Coonamble, Lee & Co, the Quota Club, local schools, pubs, clubs and cafés, and families supported by Little Wings.

The Coonamble Cancer Survivors Fund was particularly acknowledged for the important role Return and Earn has played in supporting local fundraising efforts. Through container collections, local super collectors Tony White, Adam Cohen and Wayne Phillips have already helped raise more than $7,500 for the organisation.

The event also highlighted the work of Little Wings, a Return and Earn donation partner that provides free air and ground transport for seriously ill children and their families travelling to access life-saving medical treatment. Community members heard firsthand about the difference the charity makes to regional families, reinforcing the far-reaching social impact of container donations.

The Coonamble depot strengthens Return and Earn’s presence in regional NSW while supporting broader environmental outcomes through increased recycling and resource recovery. The co-location of the depot with the community’s waste management and recycling infrastructure creates an accessible hub that encourages participation in the circular economy.

As container returns continue to grow, the partnership between Coonamble Shire Council and TOMRA Cleanaway stands as an example of how collaboration, local leadership and investment can deliver lasting benefits for regional communities.

Visit the Coonamble Return and Earn Depot

Coonamble Return and Earn Depot is located at the Coonamble Waste Management Facility on Quambone Road. It is open Monday to Thursday between 7 am to 4 pm and between 9 am and 4 pm on weekends.

For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au