NSW RETURN AND EARN
NSW RETURN AND EARN
TOMRA Cleanaway logo
NSW Return and Earn2026-09-01T10:59:03+11:00

Proud Network Operator for Return and Earn

TOMRA Cleanaway has been the proud Network Operator for Return and Earn since scheme commencement in 2017. Now featuring over 660 return points providing convenient access to the container deposit scheme across NSW.

NSW RETURN AND EARN

How it works

Return and Earn is a modern, convenient and accessible example of a container deposit scheme. Backed by legislation, Return and Earn was designed and developed by the NSW EPA to reduce drinks container litter across NSW.

The success of the scheme is due to a strong framework of government and industry partnership regulated by the NSW Environmental Protection Agency, administered by the Scheme Coordinator, Exchange for Change, and delivered by network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Starting in December 2017, Return and Earn is the biggest litter reduction initiative ever introduced in Australia. We have seen a 73% reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels.

In just 8 years, the milestones achieved by the Return and Earn container deposit scheme are impressive. Over 16 billion containers returned, a 84% participation rate by the community, and over 1 million tonnes of commodity recycled demonstrate the considerable support from the people of NSW for the scheme and the accessibility and convenience of the TOMRA Cleanaway network of return points.

Visit Return and Earn for more information.

Diagram of the NSW container deposit scheme architecure
NSW RETURN AND EARN

The Return and Earn App

The Return and Earn app makes recycling more convenient and rewarding than ever before. You can receive a digital payment straight to your bank account, track how much you earn or donate your refunds, check container eligibility, and find your nearest return point from the palm of your hand.

To use the app, simply scan your app barcode and start returning eligible containers to watch your earnings grow. You can directly transfer your earnings into your bank account or PayPal, store digital vouchers to redeem for cash or purchases at your nearest supermarket, or you can donate to charity.

All you need to know to Return and Earn in NSW at your fingertips!

Screenshots of the Return and Earn app for the NSW container deposit scheme
NSW RETURN AND EARN

Return point types

Image of a bright green Return and Earn reverse vending machine in a carpark against a wooden fence.

What is a reverse vending machine?

A reverse vending machine (RVM) is the opposite of a drink dispensing machine. A person places their empty eligible drink container into the machine, the container is scanned to verify it is eligible, and the person either:

  • receives a voucher they can redeem for cash or in-store credit at a partnering retailer (such as Woolworths or Coles)
  • receives an electronic funds transfer to their registered bank account or PayPal account via the Return and Earn app
  • donate a refund to a nominated charity or community group.

These machines do not hold cash.

If you are interested in partnering to host a RVM, please contact us.

Close up image of a person holding a milk crate full of empty drink containers inside of a bakery with a Return and Earn sticker in the background

What is an over-the-counter (OTC) return point?

OTC return points are container collection points that manually collect containers and delivers them to a central counting and sorting facility for verification and processing.

OTC return points typically handle smaller numbers of containers.

If you are interested in partnering with us to host an OTC, please contact us.

Picture of a man operating a bin lift that is emptying drink cans and bottles into a TOMRA singulator to be counter and processed for Return and Earn

What is a Return and Earn depot?

An Return and Earn depot (depot) is a high-volume collection point for containers in bulk quantities. The depot has a mechanical scanning and counting system that efficiently processes bulk returns using the same cloud-based verification technology used in RVMs.

Depots are operated by independent organisations and receive a handling fee for each eligible drink container procsesed. TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to partner with not-for-profit organisations, small businesses and recycling businesses across NSW to operate these bulk return points.

If you are interested in partnering to host a depot, please contact us.

A man emptying a box of drink bottles into a Return and Earn deposit shoot, with fun artwork on the wall in front of him and a trolley carting multiple empty boxes with drink cans, carton and containers in them.

What is a reverse vending bulk centre?

Reverse vending bulk centres or RVBCs are hybrid facilities that allow you to self-serve or get the assistance of a friendly team member. They are ideal for those returning bulk quantities or small quantities of eligible containers.

The indoor air-conditioned facility features indoor reverse vending machines as well as innovative “Tip and Go” technology for larger numbers of containers. RVBCs provide an all-weather experience with more capacity and onsite parking.

Please contact us to find out more.

NSW RETURN AND EARN

Return point types

What is a reverse vending machine?

A reverse vending machine (RVM) is the opposite of a drink dispensing machine. A person places their empty eligible drink container into the machine, the container is scanned to verify it is eligible, and the person either:

  • receives a voucher they can redeem for cash or in-store credit at a partnering retailer (such as Woolworths or Coles)
  • receives an electronic funds transfer to their registered bank account or PayPal account via the Return and Earn app
  • donate a refund to a nominated charity or community group.

These machines do not hold cash.

If you are interested in partnering to host a RVM, please contact us.

Image of a bright green Return and Earn reverse vending machine in a carpark against a wooden fence.

What is an over-the-counter (OTC) return point?

OTC return points are container collection points that manually collect containers and delivers them to a central counting and sorting facility for verification and processing.

OTC return points typically handle smaller numbers of containers.

If you are interested in partnering with us to host an OTC, please contact us.

Close up image of a person holding a milk crate full of empty drink containers inside of a bakery with a Return and Earn sticker in the background

What is a Return and Earn depot?

An Return and Earn depot (depot) is a high-volume collection point for containers in bulk quantities. The depot has a mechanical scanning and counting system that efficiently processes bulk returns using the same cloud-based verification technology used in RVMs.

Depots are operated by independent organisations and receive a handling fee for each eligible drink container procsesed. TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to partner with not-for-profit organisations, small businesses and recycling businesses across NSW to operate these bulk return points.

If you are interested in partnering to host a depot, please contact us.

Picture of a man operating a bin lift that is emptying drink cans and bottles into a TOMRA singulator to be counter and processed for Return and Earn

What is a reverse vending bulk centre?

Reverse vending bulk centres or RVBCs are hybrid facilities that allow you to self-serve or get the assistance of a friendly team member. They are ideal for those returning bulk quantities or small quantities of eligible containers.

The indoor air-conditioned facility features indoor reverse vending machines as well as innovative “Tip and Go” technology for larger numbers of containers. RVBCs provide an all-weather experience with more capacity and onsite parking.

Please contact us to find out more.

A man emptying a box of drink bottles into a Return and Earn deposit shoot, with fun artwork on the wall in front of him and a trolley carting multiple empty boxes with drink cans, carton and containers in them.

NSW RETURN AND EARN

Charities & Communities

Charities and communities are major beneficiaries from Return and Earn  – more than $100 million has been raised via donations and fees from hosting return points!

Since December 2017, the TOMRA Cleanaway return point network that underpins Return and Earn has delivered more than $100 million to charities and community groups across NSW via direct donations and return point handling fees.

In this short time, the scheme has boosted revenues and donations for hundreds of charities and community groups across the state while creating vital new jobs for social enterprises.

If you are interested in generating additional or new income by recycling drink containers, please contact us.

School children sitting on a bench holding plastic drink bottles
NSW RETURN AND EARN

Refund types

For every eligible container you return through Return and Earn you receive a 10 cent refund – and you can choose the refund type that works for you.

Digital Payout

With the Return and Earn app, you can directly transfer your refund into a nominated bank account or PayPal or store as digital vouchers to redeem for cash or purchases at a redemption partner later.

Just scan your app barcode before returning your eligible drink containers and select ‘Payout’ to get your refund digitally.

Vouchers

Vouchers are available from all Return and Earn machines (RVMs) and can be redeemed for cash or to put towards purchases from the local redemption partner shown on your voucher or machine.

Vouchers don’t require any app or registration and don’t require you to disclose any personal details. You can choose to store your vouchers on the Return and Earn app by selecting “Digital Voucher” as your payout method.

Cash or EFT

Cash is available from some Return and Earn depots and over-the-counter return points. EFT is also available at many Return and Earn depots allowing you to insert your bank card into the EFTPOS machine and receive your refund into your bank account.

These locations are staffed by our friendly return point partners, who will count your eligible containers there and then, before giving you an option to receive your refund in cash or by EFT.

Donate

Return and Earn allows you to donate your refund to support a number of charities and community groups.

Schools, sporting clubs, community groups, charities and more can register to become donation partners with Return and Earn and receive your 10c refund to help them reach their fundraising goals. There are many ways you can donate your refund:

  • Use the Return and Earn app to select from a variety of charities.
  • Donate directly via your local Return and Earn machine.
  • Donate your eligible drink containers directly to community fundraising groups.
NSW RETURN AND EARN

Container eligibility

Like other container deposit schemes around Australia, Return and Earn targets drink containers commonly found as litter and typically consumed outside of the home.

Eligible containers include:

  • most aluminium cans
  • liquid paper board cartons
  • glass and plastic bottles between 150ml and 3l

Ineligible containers include:

  • glass wine and spirit bottles
  • juice bottles 1l and over
  • milk bottles and cartons
  • cordial bottles and juice concentrates

Don’t crush your containers or remove their lids or labels – our scanners need to be able to clearly identify your eligible container to make sure you get your refund. Ineligible containers can still be recycled through your kerbside recycle bin.

Look for the 10c mark on your drink’s label or use the container checker on the Return and Earn app to see if your container is eligible.

Diagram of various drink containers showing what is eligible for a 10 cent refund and what is not eligible for a 10 cent refund
NSW RETURN AND EARN

Recent news related to Return and Earn

NSW RETURN AND EARN

Recent news related to Return and Earn

NSW RETURN AND EARN

FAQs

TOMRA Cleanaway is contactable via 1800 290 691 – our central customer service number.

Or use our contact form.

A network operator is responsible for all container deposit elements: front of house collection of containers for consumers to the back of house logistics, commodity management, and recycling activities that provide surety of recycling outcomes.

TOMRA Cleanaway is the network operator for Return and Earn in NSW, Australia’s largest container deposit market, with billions of eligible containers sold annually in the state.

Network operation in NSW involves conveniently accessible container collection points for the community, a considerable logistics operation that provides a collections fleet that is technology-based and agile in responding to the needs of the network.

Commodity management, including processing and selling materials, is another considerable task that forms part of network operations. All activities are backed with real-time management of the network across the state.

Return and Earn offers fundraising opportunities for charities, schools, community, and sporting groups.

These groups can seek donations of eligible drink containers from the community to then redeem for a refund at a collection point.

    • Charities, community groups, and social enterprises can apply to the Network Operator, TOMRA Cleanaway, to set up and run collection points where there is an identified opportunity to provide community access to a container deposit scheme – learn more here
    • Charities and community groups can also run ‘container collection drives,’ encouraging their members to donate for the organisation’s benefit
    • Registered Return and Earn app users can also organise donation drives using a donation bar code option to donate funds at Return and Earn machines

Over-the-counter (OTC) refund points are container collection points that manually collect containers, delivering these back to a central counting and sorting facility for verification and processing. OTC refund points typically handle smaller numbers of containers.

If you are interested in partnering to host an OTC, please contact us.

A reverse vending machine (RVM) is the opposite of a drink dispensing machine. A person places their empty eligible drink container into the machine, the container is scanned to verify it is eligible and the person either:

    • receives a voucher they can redeem for cash or in-store credit at a partnering retailer (such as Woolworths)
    • receives an electronic funds transfer to their registered PayPal account via the myTOMRA app
    • donates a refund to a nominated charity or community group. These machines do not hold cash.

If you are interested in partnering to host a RVM, please contact us.

Standalone RVMs are a compact version of our larger reverse vending machines. These machines operate in the same easy way as their larger format counterpart, but their compact size means they can be placed in small-to-medium stores and still offer the same efficient, hassle-free experience.

If you are interested in partnering to host a standalone RVM, please contact us.

An automated depot (AD) is a high-volume collection point for containers in bulk quantities. The AD has a mechanical scanning and counting system that efficiently processes bulk returns using the same cloud-based verification technology used in RVMs.

ADs are operated by independent organisations and receive a handling fee for each eligible drink container received. In the West Zone, TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to partner with a range of social enterprises to operate these bulk refund points across Victoria’s west.

If you are interested in partnering to host an AD, please contact us.

Using your kerbside recycling, you’re actively participating in recycling; however, you will not personally receive any refund for eligible containers disposed of in kerbside recycling.

In Victoria, the operators of material recovery facilities that process the material collected in kerbside recycling are permitted to claim the 10 cent refund on eligible containers that they process. These operators will share half of these refunds with the relevant councils.

Most 150ml to 3L beverage containers are eligible for a 10 cent refund provided they are made from glass, plastic, aluminium, steel, or liquid paperboard. Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken, and have the original label intact.

The eligibility of beverage containers generally aligns nationally among all container deposit schemes and includes beverages consumed away from home and are most commonly found in the litter stream.

Check the CDS Vic website for further details.

Wine, spirit, and plain milk are general beverages consumed in the home and do not form part of the litter stream. These items are, therefore, not eligible for a container deposit scheme return.

Check the CDS Vic website for further details.

Container deposit schemes are known by a variety of names – ‘bottle deposit schemes’, ‘deposit refund or return systems’ (DRS), or ‘bottle bills’ – and are generally underpinned by legislation.

Container deposit schemes operate through the addition of a small deposit on the price of a beverage. In most instances, these are beverages consumed away from the home and are considered to be ‘single use.’ The deposit paid by the consumer is refunded when the empty drink container is returned. In Australia, the deposit amount is 10 cents.

In December 2017, the United Nations Environment Agency encouraged all countries globally to implement container deposit schemes. Click here f0r more information.

The Single-Use Plastics Directive adopted in 2019 by the Council of the European Union has set a goal for member states to collect 90% of all plastic bottles by 2029, with an interim goal of 77% by 2025, through initiatives such as container deposit schemes. Click here f0r more information.

Containers collected through TOMRA Cleanaway’s network of refund points represent a highly prized commodity. Quality input determines quality output.

As a result of the large volumes of containers collected, our commodity trading desk function delivers high-quality materials to domestic and global buyers.

Source separation of materials through our container collection and refund network results in a clean, contaminant-free commodity available at scale locally in Australia.

Containers being returned for a refund need to:

    • be empty
    • be uncrushed and not damaged to the extent that the container cannot be recognised
    • have the label and barcode still intact
    • have their lids left on (preferably).
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