At TOMRA Cleanaway, we’re incredibly proud to be part of communities that not only care about the environment but also give generously to causes that change lives.
Every six months, we welcome a new major donation partner to our NSW network for Return and Earn, making it easy for the community to donate their eligible containers to causes that matter to them.
In October 2025, our Return and Earn x Guide Dogs NSW/ACT campaign wrapped up with some heartwarming results.
Thanks to the generosity of recyclers across New South Wales, more than $175,000 was raised over six months—enough to cover the cost of breeding, raising, and training three expertly trained guide dogs. These dogs will go on to provide life-changing support to people living with low vision or blindness, helping them live more independently and confidently.
Each guide dog costs over $50,000 to bring from puppyhood to professional service, and every 10-cent container refund donated through Return and Earn has contributed to this incredible outcome. It’s a powerful reminder that small actions—like recycling a drink container—can lead to life-changing results.
A Proven Model for Community Giving
Since its launch in 2017, Return and Earn has become a vital fundraising channel for charities and community groups across NSW. Over $82 million has been raised through donations and hosting fees, and we’re honoured to help facilitate this impact as the network operator.
During the Guide Dogs campaign, over 1.75 million containers were donated through our network of 395 machines and 48 depots in NSW. It’s a testament to the power of community and the role Return and Earn plays in enabling everyday people to support causes they care about—just by recycling.
Seeing the Impact Firsthand
Throughout the campaign, our team had the privilege of seeing Guide Dogs in action and witnessing the difference they make in people’s lives. The legacy of this partnership will be felt for years to come, and we’re proud to have played a role in making it happen.
As James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, shared:
“The NSW community’s support of Guide Dogs has been tremendous. The legacy of this campaign will leave a lasting impact for many years to come.”
We believe in the power of recycling not just to protect our environment, but to uplift our communities. Thank you to everyone who donated their container refunds—you’ve helped change lives in the most paw-some way.
You can continue to support Guide Dogs NSW/ACT great work by selecting them as your payout option on the Return and Earn app and returning at your local Return and Earn machine or depot. Find your nearest return point on the Return and Earn website or on the Return and Earn app.
Our top learnings from our partnership with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
1. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT does more than breed and train Guide Dogs.
They provide a range of programs including therapy dogs, accessibility aids and even community support to help people with low vision and blindness to live the life they choose
2. Advocacy is key
Guide Dog users still suffer discrimination in the community, particularly in ride share and food service environments, every member of the community can help by being aware of anti discrimination legislation and advocating if you see a Guide Dog user denied access. You can learn more about the experience of a Guide Dog user by following Solo Guiding Tony on Instagram. You can also join Guide Dogs Inclusion Allies Program here https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/become-an-inclusion-ally-2/
3. Notice the little things
Spot a trip hazard or a crack in the pavement? Report it. A trip hazard can injure a person with low vision or blindness, reporting a hazard can help prevent slips, trips and falls and ensure issues are identified and rectified quickly. You can make reports using the Snap Send Solve app here https://www.snapsendsolve.com/
4. Always ask
Whether you would like to offer assistance to a person with low vision or blindness or interact with a Guide Dog the first step is to ask. Check in with the person to see if they would like help, they may be okay and need space for their highly trained guide to do their work.
5. The connection and independence a Guide Dog provides is priceless
The connection and trust between a Guide Dog user and their Guide is priceless, providing independence that is essential to living the life they choose. From work to train travel to taking the kids to the park, these incredible animals open a new world of possibilities for people experiencing low vision or blindness.
6. Puppy Raisers are essential
Puppy Raisers are the temporary carers of Guide Dog puppies for the first year of their life before they go into their full training. The volunteer program is an essential part of growing and training successful Guide Dogs. If you’re interested in helping to raise a Guide Dog through the Puppy Raising program please learn more at https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/become-puppy-raiser/
