Recycling eligible drink containers in Lake Macquarie has never been more convenient. Local residents can now enjoy another easy-to-access way to return their eligible bottles, cans and cartons, with a brand-new Return and Earn machine now open at Woodrising Shopping Centre.
Located at 84 Hayden Brooke Road, Woodrising, the new return point is open daily from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, giving locals even more flexibility to recycle when it suits them.
Making Recycling Simpler for Everyone
The Woodrising machine is the 17th return point in the Lake Macquarie region, strengthening an already robust local network. With so many convenient locations now available, recycling and collecting your 10c refund has become a part of locals routines.
Lake Macquarie residents have always been enthusiastic recyclers, together they’ve returned more than 496 million drink containers since the scheme launched. Every bottle, can and carton adds up to less litter, more resource recovery, and extra money back in the pockets of local households.
“Lake Macquarie residents are enthusiastic recyclers,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway. “Statewide, more than 15 billion containers have been returned through the network, resulting in over $1.5 billion back to the community.”
Latest Technology for Maximum Convenience
This new return point features TOMRA’s advanced ‘takes-all’ technology, which means you no longer need to pre-sort your containers. Glass, plastic and aluminium can all go through either chute—just return, redeem and go.
Refunds can be accessed in whichever way suits you:
• Print a voucher to redeem for cash or a shopping discount at Vicsfresh IGA Woodrising
• Choose a direct payment into your bank or PayPal account via the Return and Earn app
• Donate your refund to a cause you care about
Supporting Local and Statewide Charities
Return and Earn has become an important fundraising stream for charities, community groups and schools. Since 2017, more than $92 million has been raised through donations and return point hosting.
Using the Return and Earn app, locals can donate their refunds to more than 500 donation partners. One of these is Little Wings, which supports seriously ill children from regional and remote NSW by providing free transport to specialist hospitals—including John Hunter Hospital.
Recyclers can also support the current statewide donation partner, Jeans for Genes, helping fund life-changing research into childhood genetic conditions.
A Win for the Community and the Environment
Every returned container helps reduce litter, increase recycling rates, and support a more sustainable NSW. Expanding the network in Lake Macquarie ensures that recycling remains convenient and accessible for everyone—from families and commuters to community groups and local businesses.
Whether you’re returning a few containers after school drop-off or collecting together to fundraise for a cause close to your heart, the new Woodrising return point offers another simple way to make a positive impact.
New Return and Earn Location: Key Details
- Where: 84 Hayden Brooke Road, Woodrising (Woodrising Shopping Centre)
- Open: 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, seven days a week
- What: Reverse vending machine with ‘takes-all’ technology
For more information about Return and Earn, visit returnandearn.org.au.
