Wollondilly residents will soon have increased access to container recycling with a new Return and Earn machine set to open at Silverdale Shopping Centre on Friday 24 April, expanding the local network of return points across the shire.
The new installation will become the fifth Return and Earn return point in the Wollondilly Shire Council area and will replace the existing Ampol Luddenham machine, which is scheduled for removal. According to Return and Earn, the Luddenham machine will close on Sunday 19 April at 10 pm, ahead of its relocation.
James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn, said the new site has been designed to improve accessibility for local residents.
“This new machine will be easily accessible in the rear outdoor parking area, making it easy for locals to include Return and Earn as part of their routine,” Mr Dorney said.
He said Wollondilly residents have been active participants in the scheme since its launch.
“Wollondilly Shire Council residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 64 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” Mr Dorney said.
Statewide, Return and Earn reported that more than 15.6 billion drink containers have been returned through its network of over 660 return points across New South Wales since the program began. According to Return and Earn, this has resulted in more than $1.5 billion in container refunds being returned to the community.
The new Silverdale machine will feature what Return and Earn describes as “takes-all” technology, allowing eligible containers to be deposited through any of four return chutes without the need to pre-sort glass, plastic or aluminium containers.
Refunds from returned containers can be collected via printed voucher and redeemed at Woolworths for cash or store credit. Alternatively, users can choose to receive an e-voucher or have funds deposited directly into a bank or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app.
Return and Earn also said participants can choose to donate their refund to more than 500 listed charities and community organisations through its app. These include Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, which supports people living with low vision and blindness.
Another current donation option is Jeans for Genes, the scheme’s statewide donation partner, which supports research into treatments and cures for children’s genetic conditions.
Return and Earn said more than $91 million has been raised for charities and community groups through donations and hosting fees since the scheme was introduced in 2017.
The Silverdale Shopping Centre Return and Earn machine, located at 2316 Silverdale Road, Silverdale, will operate daily from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm once open. Until then, the Ampol Wallacia return point at Lot 4 Silverdale Road, Wallacia, remains the nearest alternative for residents.
