Do you know that recycling in Sydney can also put a little extra money back in your pocket? In addition to being better for the environment, you can also earn 10¢ for every eligible bottle through the NSW Return and Earn program.
Bottle recycling in Sydney is a great way to make a side income. And with City Return and Earn, that becomes even easier with our convenient drop-off and collection options. Let’s explore how the Return and Earn Sydney program works, how much you can earn, and how to make the most of every container with us.
How the Return and Earn Scheme Works
The Sydney Return and Earn program is part of the NSW Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), which was launched in December 2017 as part of a state-wide litter reduction initiative. This program rewards you with 10¢ for each eligible drink container you recycle.
Essentially, Return and Earn is a great example of extended producer responsibility. When you buy a drink in an eligible bottle, can, or carton, you pay a 10¢ deposit. But if you return these containers to one of hundreds of collection points statewide, you can claim a 10¢ refund for each one. The scheme is funded by beverage suppliers, who cover both the container refunds and operating costs.
The Return and Earn Program is one of Australia’s most successful recycling initiatives. To date, there have been 14 billion eligible drink containers returned via the return point network.
So what are these eligible containers? You can recycle aluminium, glass, plastic, steel, and liquid paperboard between 150ml and 3 litres. These containers should have the “10c refund” mark on the label. The containers must be empty, uncrushed, with the barcode intact, and you can keep their lids on.
With City Return and Earn, the process couldn’t be simpler. You can simply drop off your containers at our depot, set up a home or commercial collection, or use our fast drive-thru service to receive your refund instantly.
How Much Can You Earn from Bottle Recycling?
So, how much can you actually make from bottle recycling in Sydney?
Let’s look at some numbers. If every container recycled is 10¢, you can get:
- 100 containers = $10
- 500 containers = $50
- 1,000 containers = $100
Many Sydney families use Return and Earn Sydney depots to offset small expenses, such as petrol or groceries, while others collect bottles as part of school fundraising programs or community drives.
Additionally, businesses also find it a practical way to reduce waste and earn cash for recycling beverage containers from staff rooms or events. Especially if it's a large festival where there are plenty of containers, setting up this recycling program allows them to gain a sizeable return on their investment.
Smart Ways to Boost Your Recycling Income
Here are a few smart habits that can help maximise your returns:
- Collect regularly: Make recycling part of your weekly or fortnightly routine. You’ll be surprised how quickly bottles and cans pile up when you’re consistent and disciplined!
- Store neatly: Use bins or bags to separate eligible containers from general waste. This helps keep your recyclables clean and ensures they’re accepted for refund.
- Team Up: Partner with your neighbours, local schools, or community groups to collect and earn more. Working together makes the process more rewarding for everyone.
- Go Bulk: If you’ve collected, or are planning to collect, a large number of containers, use City Return and Earn’s bulk collection service. It’s an efficient way to get bigger refunds with less effort.
By adopting these habits, you can recycle more efficiently and get more rewards.
Why Choose City Return and Earn?
When it comes to bottle recycling in Sydney, City Return and Earn is trusted by businesses, residents, event organisers, and local governments. Here’s why we’re the preferred choice:
- Fast Drive-Thru and Drop-Off Depots: Our seamless, quick, and contactless options allow you to drop off all eligible containers at our Sydney depots.
- Bulk and Community Collection: We’ll set up your recycling bins for events, businesses, or fundraising initiatives.
- Friendly Staff: Got questions? Running a complicated event? We’ll help you manage your container collections with smooth, efficient service every time.
- Sustainability Focus: Our processes are designed to minimise waste and maximise the recovery of recyclable materials
Start Earning with City Return and Earn
Recycling is an environmental duty, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be rewarding. With City Return and Earn, you can easily transform your everyday bottles and cans into a reliable side income. So start small, stay consistent, and watch your rewards grow with every container.
To get started, visit your nearest City Return and Earn depot today or get in touch to learn how you can make money while making a difference.
Your earnings depend on how many containers you return. You can get 10¢ for every eligible container under the NSW container refund scheme. If you collect 100 containers, that’s $10, while 1,000 containers give you $100. Many Sydney residents use this extra income to cover small expenses or fundraise for local causes.
Eligible containers include most drink bottles and cans between 150ml and 3L. This covers aluminium, glass, plastic, steel, and liquid paperboard for beverages. Containers must be empty, uncrushed, and display the “10¢ refund” mark. If you’re unsure about your container’s eligibility, simply bring it to the depot and our staff will help you out!
You can visit any City Return and Earn depot at Silverwater or Mascot for quick and convenient bottle recycling in Sydney. Each location offers drive-thru or drop-off options to make the process simple. See our Silverwater and Mascot depot locations online or contact the team to learn more about other ways to recycle with us.
You can definitely earn a side income regularly from recycling. While it’s not a full-time income, consistent recyclers can earn steady side cash. Some people collect from family, friends, or events to increase their total, while businesses and schools often use their recycling income to fundraise or offset costs. The key is regular collection, cleaning, and sorting to maximise returns.
Absolutely! Our bulk collection services are ideal for events, businesses, or community drives. Simply create an account to schedule a pickup, and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll process your recyclables efficiently at our depot and return the refunds to you quickly and securely. Learn more about City Return and Earn’s home collection, business collections or government/school collections.
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