Cessnock LGA helps NSW Return and Earn break record with milestone 13 billion drink containers recycled

Cessnock community members have shown fantastic support for Return and Earn this summer, collectively helping the State hit a record-breaking year and reach a milestone of 13 billion drink containers recycled through the network since the scheme began.

On 23 December 2024 NSW achieved the biggest single day ever with 10.3 million containers returned. Last year alone, 2.125 billion containers were recycled, resulting in the biggest year yet.

More than $1.3 billion in container refunds have gone back in people’s pockets, helping with cost-of-living expenses, saving for a special goal or supporting amazing causes.

Here’s how the numbers look for Cessnock LGA:

Over $72 million has also been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees, supporting their important work from providing food and shelter to environment conservation.

Anyone visiting a Return and Earn machine or depot can consider supporting one of over 300 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app including local charity, the John Hunter Children’s Hospital Kids Club. The Kids Club helps to provide new goods and equipment that will directly impact the lives of children at John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

Locals can also donate to the current statewide donation partner Foodbank NSW & ACT. The food relief charity provides much needed food assistance to individuals and families in need, and just five containers donated can fund one meal for someone facing hardship.

To make your return experience stress-free you can check the live status of machines on the Return and Earn website or the app before heading out to avoid delays. If you have large quantities, try a Return and Earn depot to process bulk amounts quickly.

For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au. 

State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said: 

“The Cessnock community are enthusiastic users of Return and Earn and have collectively returned 162.7 million drink containers through local return points since the scheme began in December 2017.

“It is great to see people in the Cessnock LGA continuing to contribute to Return and Earn’s success, and supporting local charity groups through the Return and Earn donations.