The Return and Earn depot at Goulburn, which is the region’s first. Photo: Supplied.
A new recycling option has arrived in the NSW Southern Tablelands, handing Goulburn a major boost in its efforts.
The Goulburn Return and Earn Depot has recently opened on Finlay Road.
It is the area’s first depot and the fourth return point in the Goulburn Mulwaree Council area.
James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, said the region had already shown a strong commitment to recycling.
“Goulburn Mulwaree Council residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 80 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began in 2017.
“That means millions of drink containers have been kept out of green spaces and recycled into new bottles and cans thanks to local recyclers.
“Return and Earn has recently celebrated 15 billion containers being recycled since the scheme began eight years ago and this new depot will make recycling even more convenient for Goulburn Mulwaree residents.”
The staffed depot can process up to 100 containers in a minute, making it ideal for returning 500 or more containers at a time (without the need to pre-sort them).
The depot also offers a ‘tag and drop’ service for people short on time, where they can leave their bagged containers for processing.
It has the latest ‘tip and go’ technology to make it easier for recyclers to handle large volumes of containers.
The Goulburn Return and Earn machine in the carpark also accepts containers eligible for the 10-cent refund, acting as an option for recyclers with smaller numbers of containers.
Users can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed at Coles for a discount on their shopping or for cash, or opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
Locals can also donate their refund to one of more than 500 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app.
Alternatively, recyclers can donate to the current statewide donation partner, Jeans for Genes, to support research into treatments and cures for children’s genetic conditions.
CEO of scheme coordinator Exchange for Change Danielle Smalley said the scheme had raised more than $1.5 billion since its launch.
“Return and Earn not only helps to achieve a cleaner and sustainable environment, it also delivers significant social benefits to the community as a key fundraising channel for so many charities and community groups in NSW.
“Over $91.5 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched.
“More than $1.5 billion in container refunds has also gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living, saving for a special goal or supporting some amazing causes.”
The Goulburn Return and Earn Depot is located at 17 Finlay Road in Goulburn. It is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.
People can also find out more information about the Return and Earn program by visiting its website.
