New South Wales’ love affair with Return and Earn recycling has reached a new high, with the 14th billion container officially returned.
The positive environmental impact of returning 14 billion bottles and cans for recycling instead of making new containers with virgin materials includes: Water savings equivalent to 32,840 Olympic swimming pools, energy savings equivalent to powering 191,100 homes for an entire year, carbon emission savings equivalent to taking 1,017,400 cars off the road annually. This impressive milestone means over $1.4 billion in container refunds has gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living” said James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.
Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change, said over $82 million has 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.
The 14 billion milestone coincides with Return and Earn releasing the latest Local Government Volume Report, which shows the enthusiastic community participation in container returns by council area in the last six months. For information visit returnandearn.org.au.