Central Coast residents have returned 419 million bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme since it began, with the latest machine recently installed at Ourimbah.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said he was pleased to see the first return point in Ourimbah open.
“This joins nearby machines in Lisarow, Tuggerah and Gosford – making it even easier for locals to do their bit,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to make ‘returning and earning’ part of their regular recycling routine.
“Together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future where materials are kept in use, out of landfill and our parks and beaches.”
The new machine is located at Ourimbah RSL Club.
It is the 32nd return point in the Central Coast LGA, providing the local community with additional access to redeem their eligible drink containers for the 10c refund.
Users of the new Ourimbah machine can print a voucher for the refund amount, redeemable for cash at Woolworths, or they can download the Return and Earn app to receive an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account.
Locals can also donate their refund to one of the charity partners featured on the machine or one of the many charities listed on the Return and Earn app.
WIRES Central Coast is the initial local donation partner on the Ourimbah machine, with funds raised through Return and Earn supporting the organisation’s work to rescue and care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups across NSW.
More than $47M has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme was launched.
More than 10.4 billion bottles, cans and cartons have been returned for recycling through the network of 617 return points across NSW since the scheme began in 2017, resulting in more than $1.4B in refunds back in people’s pockets.
The new Ourimbah Return and Earn machine can be found in the carpark of Ourimbah RSL Club at 20 Pacific Hwy, Ourimbah, and is open from 8am-7pm daily.
For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.