Local organisations can now raise funds through Return and Earn

The NSW Return and Earn Scheme is now open to applications from not-for-profit groups. These groups can now become local donation partners (if they meet the eligibility criteria) and be one of the four charities on their local TOMRA reverse vending machine (RVM).

The community can choose to support a not-for-profit group from their local area by returning their eligible drink containers and donating their 10 cents per container to that local group.

If people donated even one in ten containers to charity through RVMs, that would make a difference for local donation partners in the area over a 12-week period and have a positive impact on local charities.

Donations over $2 made to not-for-profits on the RVMs with deductible gift recipient status are tax deductible and consumers will receive a receipt to use in their tax return.

Ryan Buzzell, Director of Network Operator, TOMRA Cleanaway says: “We’ve already seen an incredible response from the people of New South Wales, who have really embraced the Return and Earn scheme.”

“Now, with the added incentive of being able to support the local community through container donations, and the fundraising potential highlighted by Return and Earn, we would love to see the community rally behind their local schools, sports groups, charities and not-for-profits, by donating one-in-ten container returns.”

“Donation Partners are free to use the donations however they like, whether it helps provide funding to buy uniforms, host an event, replace or repair equipment, or go on an excursion. It’s up to them.”

Return and Earn is helping to reduce the amount of litter volume in NSW by 40% by 2020, recycle containers across the state, and keep our environment clean.

Donation partners are selected based on meeting eligibility criteria and on a first-come-first-served basis and will be rotated quarterly.

Groups can check their eligibility and apply to be on their nearest RVM in the ‘Donation Partners’ section of the TOMRA Cleanaway website tcnsw.com.au. TOMRA Cleanaway is the network operator for the NSW Return and Earn scheme.

Reverse vending machines are the only container return option that supports local donation partner options; over-the-counter return points, automated depots and donation stations do not have local donation partners.

About Return and Earn

Every year, more than 160 million drink containers end up as litter in NSW, harming our environment and costing our community a lot to clean up. Return and Earn will help to reduce the amount of litter volume across NSW by 40% by 2020.

Consumers can receive a 10 cent refund when they return an eligible drink container to a Return and Earn return point across the state. Many return points include TOMRA automated reverse vending machines.

TOMRA Cleanaway is the network operator for the Return and Earn container deposit scheme in NSW. TOMRA provides the reverse vending machines and technology for receiving the returned containers, while Cleanaway delivers the logistics and sorting of collected containers.

Most 150ml to 3-litre drink containers are returnable if they are made from glass, plastic, aluminum, steel or liquid paperboard (cartons). Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached.

About the myTOMRA app

Developed by Return and Earn network operator TOMRA, the myTOMRA app (available on iTunes App Store and Google Play) transfers refunds to PayPal when eligible drink containers are returned to TOMRA reverse vending machines across NSW.

How it works:

1. Download the myTOMRA app (or visit mytomra.com.au for log-in via the web).
2. Click “Register” to fill in your details.
3. Connect myTOMRA to your PayPal account, or create a new PayPal account.

Scan your personal myTOMRA app barcode at the reverse vending machine, before returning your empty drink containers. When you are finished, tap the PayPal button on the machine screen. Your refund will be available in the myTOMRA app and your PayPal account.