The Smithfield Return and Earn Depot has reached a major milestone, with more than 1 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons returned by the community in just a few months; highlighting the strong recycling culture in Sydney’s west.

Operated by TOMRA Collection Australia and supported by TOMRA Cleanaway as Network Operator for Return and Earn, the depot has helped return $100,000 in refunds directly back into the hands of local residents.

A milestone worth celebrating

The achievement was recently celebrated at the depot with local representatives Dr Hugh McDermott MP and David Saliba MP, alongside community partners including Paul Bennell from Feel the Magic, recognising the positive environmental and social impact of Return and Earn.

This milestone reflects the ongoing commitment of the Fairfield community to sustainability and the circular economy, demonstrating how small actions, like returning containers, can deliver big outcomes.

Making recycling easy and accessible

Located on Smithfield Road, the depot is designed to make recycling fast and convenient for everyone. It can process up to 100 containers per minute, making it ideal for bulk returns, while removing the need to pre-sort containers.

The site also offers a range of flexible return options, including:

• ‘Tag and drop’ for busy recyclers who want to leave containers for processing

• ‘Tip and go’ technology for quick, high-volume returns

• Multiple refund options including voucher (for money off your shop or cash), or digital payments via the Return and Earn app

These features ensure the depot meets the needs of individuals, families, and community groups alike.

Supporting charities and community organisations

Return and Earn isn’t just about recycling—it’s also about giving back. Locals using the Smithfield depot can choose to donate their refunds to more than 500 charities and community groups through the app.

One such organisation is Feel the Magic, which supports grieving children through evidence-based programs and experiences.

The milestone event highlighted the powerful connection between recycling and community support, with donations helping organisations like Feel the Magic continue their important work.

The impact of Return and Earn across NSW

Since its launch in 2017, Return and Earn has grown into one of Australia’s most successful container deposit schemes. Across NSW:

• More than 16 billion containers have been returned
• Over $1.6 billion in refunds has been paid back to the community
• Residents in the Fairfield local government area alone have returned over 621 million containers

These figures highlight the scale of the program and its role in reducing litter, improving recycling outcomes, and delivering tangible financial benefits.

Driving a more sustainable future

As Network Operator, TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to support communities like Smithfield in making recycling part of everyday life. Milestones like this demonstrate how accessible infrastructure, innovative technology, and community engagement can work together to deliver meaningful environmental change.

With participation continuing to grow, the Smithfield Return and Earn Depot is set to play an even bigger role in supporting recycling, reducing waste, and returning value to the community for years to come.

Find your nearest return point on the Return and Earn map here.