TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the milestone highlights the power of community participation.
“This milestone at Newcastle Container Return Depot is a great example of what happens when a community gets behind Return and Earn. Every container returned is helping reduce litter, support local jobs and raise real funds for causes that matter. It’s a credit to the community who’ve made it part of their everyday lives.”
A major milestone was celebrated in Newcastle recently, with the Newcastle Container Return depot in Carrington reaching an incredible 100 million eligible drink containers returned since opening in August 2019.
The milestone event brought together a wide range of community members and partners who have helped make the depot such a valued part of the local Return and Earn network. Representatives from local community organisations including The Smith Family, Little Wings, and Newcastle Men’s Shed joined the celebration the achievement and the positive impact it has delivered for the region.
Operated by Sell & Parker, the Newcastle Container Return depot has become a trusted recycling destination for residents, schools, businesses and community groups across the region. Over the past seven years, local recyclers have embraced Return and Earn, contributing to more than 100 million containers through the Carrington depot alone, a truly extraordinary number.
The celebration recognised not just the volume of containers returned, but the strong community support that has helped the depot thrive. From individuals returning a few containers to sporting clubs, schools and businesses bringing bulk loads, the community has made recycling a regular part of daily life while supporting local charities and environmental outcomes.
Speaking at the event, Sell & Parker Group Operations Manager Jordan Binskin acknowledged the role Newcastle residents have played in achieving the milestone.
“We’re proud of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by Newcastle locals in embracing the scheme and our Return and Earn depot. Together, we’ve not only achieved a significant environmental milestone but strengthened our community, proving what a big difference can be made when we put in a collective effort.”
The environmental benefits of recycling 100 million containers are significant. The achievement has generated energy savings equivalent to:
– powering 1,365 households for a year,
– water savings equal to 235 Olympic-sized swimming pools, and
– avoided carbon emissions comparable to taking 7,267 cars off the road for a year.
The depot has also become an important hub for giving back. Return and Earn users can support more than 600 donation partners through the Return and Earn app, while local initiatives and partnerships have helped direct much-needed funds to community organisations. The Newcastle depot recently donated more than $2,800 to Hunter Medical Research Institute, demonstrating how container returns can deliver meaningful outcomes beyond recycling.
A special thank you was extended to Depot Supervisor Andre and his team, whose commitment to delivering a fast, friendly and efficient service has helped create a positive experience for customers returning containers. Their professionalism and customer-first approach have played a key role in building strong community support and encouraging continued participation in Return and Earn.
As Newcastle Container Return celebrates this significant achievement, the milestone stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community works together. With strong support from local residents, businesses, community groups and dedicated depot staff, the Carrington site continues to make recycling easy while creating lasting environmental and social benefits for the Newcastle region.
Visit Newcastle Container Return at 52 Parker St, Carrington NSW.
