Recycling your eligible drink containers even easier for Wollondilly locals, with a brand-new Return and Earn machine now open at Silverdale Shopping Centre. The new location strengthens TOMRA Cleanaway’s growing network for Return and Earn across NSW, making it simpler and more convenient for people to return eligible drink containers as part of their everyday routine.
Located in the rear outdoor car park of Silverdale Shopping Centre, the new machine brings Return and Earn closer to where people already shop, park and pass through each day. It will become the fifth Return and Earn collection point in the Wollondilly Shire, helping ensure residents always have a convenient recycling option nearby.
Expanding the local network
The Silverdale machine replaces the existing return point at Ampol Luddenham, which has been removed, ensuring continued access to Return and Earn in the area.
“Our focus is on building a network that fits into people’s lives,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator for Return and Earn.
“This new machine is easily accessible and located where locals already go, making it even easier to include Return and Earn as part of a regular routine.”
Wollondilly residents have shown strong support for Return and Earn, returning more than 64 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began. Every container returned makes a difference, keeping valuable materials out of landfill and supporting a circular economy.
Fast, simple recycling with ‘takes‑all’ technology
The Silverdale Return and Earn machine features the latest ‘takes‑all’ technology, allowing recyclers to return all eligible drink containers through any of the four chutes. There’s no need to pre‑sort glass from plastic or aluminium, making the experience faster and more convenient, especially for busy households.
Once containers are returned, recyclers can choose how they receive their refund. Options include:
- Printing a voucher redeemable for a discount at Woolworths or cash
- Receiving an e‑voucher via the Return and Earn app
- Direct payment into a bank or PayPal account via the Return and Earn app
Supporting communities through donations
Return and Earn also makes it easy to give back. More than 500 donation partners are listed on the Return and Earn app, allowing locals to donate their refund to causes they care about. These include Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, which supports people living with low vision and blindness.
Recyclers can also donate to the Jeans for Genes, helping fund research into treatments and cures for children’s genetic conditions.
Across NSW, Return and Earn has become a powerful fundraising channel for charities and community groups, with over $91 million raised through donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017.
A growing, statewide network
The Silverdale Return and Earn machine installation is part of TOMRA Cleanaway’s commitment to making Return and Earn as accessible as possible across NSW. Statewide, more than 15.6 billion drink containers have been returned through a network of over 660 return points, putting more than $1.5 billion in refunds back into people’s pockets.
By expanding and upgrading the network, TOMRA Cleanaway continues to support communities to recycle more often, more easily, and more conveniently.
