The Merriwa Return and Earn machine has reached a major milestone, with more than 850,000 bottles, cans and cartons returned by the local community in the first nine months of opening.
Located at Merriwa Sports Club, the machine has proven to be a hit with local residents. Since late 2023, more than $85,000 in container refunds have been returned to the local community helping individuals, families and local community groups.
The Merriwa machine was the second return point to open in the Upper Hunter area, providing local recyclers with greater convenience and access to redeem their eligible drink containers for the 10c refund. Return points are also available nearby in Scone, Muswellbrook and Denman.
Users of the Merriwa machine can print a voucher for the refund amount, which is redeemable for cash at the local SUPA IGA. They can also download the Return and Earn app and opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account.
Local recyclers can also choose to donate their container refunds to one of hundreds of charities listed on the Return and Earn app, including the current statewide donation partner Little Wings.
Since launching in 2017, Return and Earn has delivered strong environmental, social and economic benefits to the people of NSW. More than 11.7 billion bottles, cans and cartons have been returned through the statewide network of over 630 return points, resulting in more than $1 billion in container refunds back in people’s pockets.
Return and Earn has also become a popular fundraising channel for many charities and community groups, with over $54 million raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme began.
The Merriwa Return and Earn machine is located at Merriwa Sports Club, 46-48 King George V Ave, Merriwa and is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.
Quotes attributable to James Dorney, CEO, Tomra Cleanaway:
“It’s really fantastic to see the Merriwa community make Return and Earn part of their regular routine and taking their bottles and cans to Merriwa Sports Club to recycle.
“Together we’re contributing to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future where the materials we use are kept in use longer and out of landfill.
“All Upper Hunter Shire residents should be proud of their Return and Earn efforts, having recycled over 25 million containers through local return points since the scheme began.”
ENDS
Key Facts:
The Merriwa Return and Earn machine has reached a major milestone, with more than 850,000 bottles, cans and cartons returned by the local community in the first nine months of opening.
Located at Merriwa Sports Club, the machine has proven to be a hit with local residents. Since late 2023, more than $85,000 in container refunds have been returned to the local community helping individuals, families and local community groups.
The Merriwa machine was the second return point to open in the Upper Hunter area, providing local recyclers with greater convenience and access to redeem their eligible drink containers for the 10c refund. Return points are also available nearby in Scone, Muswellbrook and Denman.
Contact details:
MEDIA: Denne Dempsey 0474 313 310
