Thank you NSW! Once again, you have demonstrated the power of collective action, with more than two million eligible drink containers donated through the TOMRA Cleanaway network for Return and Earn to support the iconic Jeans for Genes campaign.
Over a six-month fundraising drive, these everyday acts of recycling have helped raise more than $210,000 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI); funding vital research into treatments and cures for children living with genetic conditions.
Turning 10 Cents into Life-Changing Research
Every container returned through the Return and Earn network carries a 10-cent refund ; and when donated, that small contribution becomes part of something much bigger. This campaign highlights how simple, accessible actions can deliver meaningful outcomes for both the community and the environment.
The funds raised will support CMRI’s groundbreaking work to make the incurable, curable. Currently, 1 in 20 children is affected by a birth defect or genetic disease, making this research critically important.
CMRI has already achieved significant breakthroughs, including:
- Participation in a world-first gene therapy trial offering new hope to families with rare genetic conditions
- Advancing new treatment approaches for some of the most aggressive childhood cancers
Ongoing research supported by donations will continue to target conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cancer.
As network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to enable initiatives like this through an extensive network of over 660 return points across NSW, making it easy for communities to participate.
Since launching in 2017, Return and Earn has:
- Recycled over 15.7 billion drink containers
- Returned more than $1.5 billion in refunds to the community
- Raised over $91 million for charities and community groups
This campaign is a powerful example of how the Return and Earn network connects environmental action with community impact; creating a simple pathway for people to support causes they care about.
A Community Effort
TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney acknowledged the remarkable support from NSW recyclers:
“I’m so pleased that recyclers have given such great support to the Jeans for Genes campaign; it’s truly an amazing effort.
NSW recyclers love Return and Earn and appreciate how simple it is to donate refunds to their favourite charity and community group via the Return and Earn app.
There’s nothing that makes us feel more proud as network operator for Return and Earn than a partnership as successful as this.”
Scheme coordinator Exchange for Change CEO Danielle Smalley also highlighted the dual benefits:
“Children’s health and the environment both win from this incredible fundraising campaign.
Donating recyclable bottles and cans is an accessible way the community can support causes they are passionate about, like Jeans for Genes.
All refund donations, large and small, add up to make a big difference while also keeping the environment clean.”
Championing Change: Marjo from Bargo
Behind the campaign’s success are passionate individuals like Marjo Halliwell, affectionately known as “Marjo from Bargo”.
A dedicated Return and Earn recycler since 2017, Marjo has:
- Donated over 250,000 containers
- Raised more than $25,000 for CMRI
Her milestone achievement was celebrated at the campaign’s closing event, where she marked her 250,000th container ; a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make with her community’s support.
A Simple Action, A Lasting Impact
Partnerships like this showcase the unique strength of the Return and Earn network; bringing together communities, charities and environmental action in one convenient system.
By making it easy to donate refunds through the app or at return points, TOMRA Cleanaway is helping to channel everyday recycling into meaningful support for life-changing causes.
Every container counts; and together, NSW recyclers are proving that small actions can drive extraordinary outcomes.
