The Batemans Bay community has reached a major recycling milestone. 10 million eligible drink containers have been returned through the Batemans Bay Return and Earn Depot since opening in October 2024.
To celebrate the achievement, community members, local charities, businesses and Return and Earn partners gathered at the depot on 1 October. Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland MP and representatives from Eurobodalla Shire Council. The milestone event emphasised the importance of Return and Earn within the Batemans Bay community. For both the local environment and community fundraising initiatives.
The event recognised the contribution of residents across the region. In addition to the many local organisations that have embraced container recycling to support their causes. More than $1 million in container refunds has been returned through the depot. As a result, Batemans Bay has seen benefited households, community groups and charities, while helping keep valuable resources out of landfill.
A community effort
Chris Comyns, GM NSW, TOMRA Collection Australia, Operator of Batemans Bay Return and Earn Depot said:
“Reaching 10 million containers in less than two years is a fantastic achievement for the Batemans Bay community. Every bottle, can and carton returned through the depot represents a positive action for the environment, and collectively those actions are making a significant difference.
“We’re particularly proud to see so many local charities, community organisations and businesses using the depot to raise funds and support important local initiatives. This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when a community embraces recycling and makes it part of everyday life.”
James Dorney, CEO, TOMRA Cleanaway said:
“The success of the Batemans Bay Return and Earn Depot reflects the strength of Return and Earn across regional New South Wales. Communities like Batemans Bay continue to show how simple recycling actions can deliver meaningful environmental, social and economic benefits.
“Every container returned helps create cleaner communities, supports a more circular economy and puts refund money back into the hands of residents, charities and community groups. Reaching 10 million containers is an outstanding milestone and one that the entire Batemans Bay community should be proud of.”
The celebration highlighted the strong community support behind the Batemans Bay Return and Earn Depot. As a result, the depot has become an important recycling hub for the South Coast. Representatives from local government, community organisations, charities, businesses and hospitality venues attended the event. Together, they contribute to the ongoing success of Return and Earn across the region.
Special recognition was given to a number of community groups that attended the event and regularly use the depot to raise funds and support local causes, including:
- Ronald McDonald House, Southern NSW and ACT
- Animal Welfare League Eurobodalla
- Can Assist Eurobodalla
- Lions Club of Batemans Bay
- Country Women’s Association (CWA) Batemans Bay
- Batemans Bay Historical Society
These organisations demonstrate how Return and Earn not only benefits the environment but also helps strengthen local communities through fundraising and supporting community initiatives.
Driving recycling outcomes across the region
Eurobodalla Shire residents have embraced Return and Earn since 2017. They have returned more than 112 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points.
For a community of around 40,000 people, this level of participation shows a strong commitment to sustainability and Return and Earn.
To support the community, the Batemans Bay Return and Earn Depot provides a convenient bulk return option for residents, businesses and community groups. TOMRA Cleanaway Australia operates the depot. It can process up to 100 containers per minute. Customers can also use services such as Tag and Drop and Tip and Go. These services make recycling easier for people returning larger volumes of containers.
Members of the Lions Club of Batemans Bay returning containers to raise funds for their organisation and the local community.
Environmental impact of 10 million containers
Recycling 10 million drink containers has delivered substantial environmental benefits for the region. The achievement has resulted in:
• Energy savings equivalent to powering 137 households for a year
• Water savings equivalent to 23 Olympic-sized swimming pools
• Carbon emissions avoided equivalent to taking 727 cars off the road for a year
These outcomes demonstrate the collective impact communities can make when simple recycling actions are repeated every day.
Animal Welfare League Eurobodalla volunteer, Julie, returning containers to raise funds to go towards caring for animals until they find their forever home.
Looking ahead
Return and Earn continues to be one of Australia’s most successful environmental initiatives. More than 16.5 billion containers have been returned across New South Wales since the scheme commenced in 2017.
As the Batemans Bay Return and Earn Depot celebrates its first 10 million containers, the focus now turns to the next milestone. They will continue to make recycling easy, accessible and rewarding for everyone in the community. Across the South Coast, a greater support for local charities and community groups growths with every container returned. Along with Return and Earn taking another step in creating a cleaner environment and a stronger circular economy.
Visit Batemans Bay Return and Earn Depot at Unit 1/70 Cranbrook Rd, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
