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Return and Earn

Get information about the Return and Earn program.

Bermagui, Bega and Tura Beach Return and Earn collection points

Collection points have been installed in Bermagui, Bega and Tura Beach ready to exchange eligible drink containers for a 10 cent refund as part of the NSW Government’s container deposit scheme Return and Earn.

Eligible drink containers include most between 150mls and three litres that are predominantly consumed away from home and found in the litter stream. Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached.

The collection points for Bermagui and Tura Beach are located in the carparks of the Bermagui and Tura Beach Woolworths supermarkets. The collection point in Bega is at Bega Country Club, 1477 Tarraganda Lane, Tarraganda.  For more information about Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au

 

Frequently asked questions:


Return and Earn is the NSW container deposit scheme that will enable people to exchange eligible drink containers for a 10 cent refund from 1 December.

Return and Earn is a litter-reduction program. Every year around 160 million drink containers are littered in the NSW environment costing millions to clean up.

From 1 December you can return your eligible drink containers to any collection point in NSW and exchange them for a 10 cent refund. Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached.

Eligible containers include most between 150mls and three litres (with some exceptions – see Q5). Eligibility is based on containers most commonly found in the litter stream and that broadly align with similar container deposit schemes in South Australia and Northern Territory.

150ml to three litre containers NOT eligible for a 10cent refund include: 

  • Plain milk (or milk substitutes)
  • One litre or more of: flavoured milk, pure fruit/vegetable juice, wine and water casks
  • Wine and spirits in glass containers
  • Wine sachets of 250 millilitres or more
  • Cordials and concentrated fruit/vegetable juices
  • Registered health tonics

Yes. Kerbside recycling remains important to our community, and Return and Earn will complement it. Kerbside recycling is particularly suitable for containers that are typically consumed at home; some of which aren’t eligible for a refund via Return and Earn. Refunds from eligible containers collected via kerbside recycling may result in downward pressure on waste charges or improved waste services in your area.

Collection points are being finalised by the Return and Earn Network Operator TOMRA Cleanaway and will be announced as they are installed.

A collection point map is available at www.returnandearn.org.au.

Reverse vending machines work in the opposite way to a drink machine –you insert your eligible containers one at a time and the machine calculates the total and presents three options for you to receive your refund.

Download the myTOMRA App from Google Play or iTunes App Stores and create a TOMRA profile.

The reverse vending machine will offer three ways to receive your refund. These include:

  1. Direct deposit into a registered PayPal account by scanning the code on your smartphone myTOMRA app
  2. Collect a printed voucher that can be redeemed for either cash or an in-store purchase at the retail partner
  3. Donate to one of the donation partners listed on the machine

No, Return and Earn is a NSW Government initiative that is run by a Scheme Coordinator, Exchange for Change, and a Network Operator, TOMRA Cleanaway, which is responsible for the network of collection points..

Return and Earn has its own website: www.returnandearn.org.au.


 

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