The Central Coast is the second highest recycling local government area under the Return and Earn scheme in the state, behind Blacktown.
As NSW celebrates the major new milestone of 11 billion containers recycled, it was announced that Central Coast residents have recycled 511,125,067 bottles, cans and cartons through their local return points since the scheme began in 2017.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said this had seen millions of dollars in container refunds go back into people’s pockets and $54M raised statewide for charities and community groups via donated refunds and return point hosting fees.
She said Return and Earn has become a leading contributor to the growing domestic circular economy.
“Coasties have well and truly made the Return and Earn program part of their regular routine,” she said.
“It is thanks to your enthusiastic efforts that we have reached this milestone, creating a more sustainable future for all.
“The everyday actions of our community play an important role in the continuing growth of our domestic circular economy, achieving a more sustainable future.
“The Return and Earn program proves that sustainability does not have to be difficult, but can be as simple as small actions like recycling bottles, cans and cartons, with every little action combining together for a brighter, greener future.
“(This) is an easy way for all of us to help the environment and support the work of some amazing local charities.”
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Return and Earn program was introduced under the former Liberal-National government in 2017.
“People right across the Central Coast embraced the Return and Earn program when it was first introduced and year after year the program has continued to pass milestone after milestone, which is proof of the community’s commitment to the war on waste,” he said.
Crouch said it was encouraging to see so many people on the Central Coast using Return and Earn regularly and that not only the environment, but the community, was feeling the positive impacts of recycling.
“We’ve seen a massive reduction in beverage container litter in NSW thanks to Return and Earn, but we’ve also seen more than $54M raised for charities and local community groups thanks to donated refunds and return point hosting fees,” he said.
For more information about Return and Earn or to find your nearest return point visit www.returnandearn.org.au