Newcastle community members have shown fantastic support for Return an 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 our 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.
By local government area, here’s how the numbers look:
| LGA | Containers returned Christmas/NY (21 December 2024 – 30 January 2025) | Containers returned since scheme commencement |
| Newcastle | 6.4 million | 317.4 million |
| Maitland | 3.9 million | 145.7million |
| Lake Macquarie | 8.97 million | 441.3 million |
| Total | 19.4 million | 904.4 million |
To provide even greater access for the local community, a new Return and Earn machine has opened at the University of Newcastle, in the carpark near Edwards Hall on University Drive, Callaghan. It is open daily from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
Recyclers using the machine can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed for cash at Woolworths, or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
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 environmental 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 or our 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.
For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“The Newcastle region including Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie are enthusiastic users of Return and Earn and have collectively returned 904.4 million drink containers through local return points since the scheme began in December 2017.
“We’re excited to see how Newcastle continues to contribute to Return and Earn’s success, and we thank everyone for their ongoing participation.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Maitland community are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 145.7 million containers through local return points since the scheme first launched in NSW six years ago, and 3.9 million in the last month alone.
“Not only can locals make Return and Earn a part of their recycling routine and keep eligible drink bottles, cans and cartons out of landfill, but in this cost-of-living crisis these extra funds come in very handy for many including local charities.”
State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Novocastrians are enthusiastic users of Return and Earn and are very environmentally conscious. Since the scheme began, our community has returned an incredible 317.4 million drink containers through local return points.
“I’m excited to see Newcastle continue to contribute to Return and Earn’s success and thank everyone for their ongoing participation.”