12 million bottles and cans recycled at Ballina Return and Earn spot

$1.2 million in refunds have gone straight into the pockets of the local community, including charities, individuals, school groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Michael Christensen at the Ballina Return and Earn Centre at 42 De Havilland Crescent in the Ballina Industrial Estate.

Ballina locals have recycled more than 12 million bottles and cans via the Return and Earn NSW Container Deposit Scheme.

The milestone means that $1.2 million in refunds have gone into the pockets of the Ballina community including charities, individuals, school groups and not-for-profit organisations.

James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator of the scheme, marked the milestone.

“It is fantastic to see the Ballina community has become such enthusiastic recyclers,” he said.

“It’s thanks to communities across the state, communities just like Ballina, that the scheme has seen more than 5.6 billion containers returned for recycling and a 43 per cent reduction in drink container litter in NSW.”

Ballina residents currently have the option to receive a 10c refund for each eligible bottle, can or carton they return at the Ballina RVC, or they can donate their refund to one of the scheme’s participating donation partners.

So far, local charity Oceanic Research Institute has raised over $600 as a local donation partner, Mr Dorney said.

“Recycling through Return and Earn is a great way to support local charities and community groups while helping the environment at the same time.

“There are over 620 return points across New South Wales, and we strongly urge everyone to get involved,” added Mr Dorney.

The Ballina RVC is located at 42 De-Havilland Crescent, and is open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm, and Sunday from 9am-6pm.

For more information on Return and Earn including checking container eligibility or the status of your nearest return point, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.