“We’re proud this new return point will support residents in Parramatta’s busy city centre. It is conveniently located in Parramatta’s central business district and offers different ways for the community to return their eligible drink containers, from self-serve Return and Earn machines to staff-assisted recycling.”

James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Parramatta is now home to a new Return and Earn depot designed to make recycling eligible bottles, cans and cartons easier than ever before.

Parramatta Return and Earn Depot – the 15th return point in the Parramatta council area – was officially opened on Friday with a celebration attended by scheme stakeholders, including local Member for Parramatta, Ms Donna Davis MP; CEO of Exchange for Change, Danielle Smalley; and members for TOMRA and TOMRA Cleanaway. We were joined in celebration by local community groups and charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charity, Feel the Magic, Muscular Dystrophy NSW, Little Wings, and Jeans for Genes (Children’s Medical Research Institute)

The staffed depot features the latest ‘tip and go’ technology, which can process up to 100 containers a minute, without the need to pre-sort containers.

The depot also has standard Return and Earn machines ideal for recyclers with smaller amounts of drink containers to get their container refunds.

Recyclers can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed at Woolworths for a discount on their shopping or for cash, or opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app

Locals can also donate their refund to one of over 600 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app, including Feel the Magic, which offers a range of support programs designed to help children cope with the loss of a loved one.

Alternatively, recyclers can donate to the current statewide donation partner, The Smith Family, who help provide young people experiencing disadvantage with an equal chance to learn, and create better futures through the power of education.

Danielle Smalley, CEO scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, highlighted that “Return and Earn not only helps to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable environment, it also delivers significant social benefits to the community as a key fundraising channel for so many charities and community groups in NSW. 

“Over $100 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched.”