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One Year of Silverwater Return and Earn

05 August 2025

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It’s been one full year since the doors opened at Silverwater Return and Earn, operated by Clean Vibes – and what a year it’s been. Located in the heart of Parramatta, this depot has quickly grown into more than just a place to return bottles and cans. It’s become a hub for community connection, environmental action, and positive social change.

Making a Local Difference in Parramatta

From day one, the Silverwater depot has been embraced by the local community. With over 14 million containers recycled, it’s clear that Parramatta locals care deeply about sustainability. Every bottle, can, and carton returned helps keep our streets clean, our waterways healthier, and our planet greener.

Silverwater Return and Earn exterior

Real Environmental Impact You Can Measure

The numbers tell a powerful story:

  • 79 million litres of water saved – about 32.82 Olympic swimming pools.
  • 17,645 gigajoules of energy saved – equal to 191 years of household energy use.
  • 2.25 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions prevented – like taking 1017.40 cars off the road for a year.
  • And to top it all off, over $1.4 million refunded back to the community through container refunds.

These aren’t just statistics – they’re a direct reflection of what happens when a community comes together to do good.

Staff pouring drink containers into singulator machine

A Proud Partnership with KARI Foundation

At the heart of this project is a deep commitment to meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. One of our proudest collaborations is with the KARI Foundation, creating opportunities for Indigenous youth through employment and community engagement.

“I’m extremely proud to have KARI Foundation alongside us, and being able to come to work and see the smiles on the Indigenous employees is really humbling and meaningful,” says Clean Vibes Founder, Andrew Macarthur.

This partnership isn’t just about work—it’s about dignity, culture, opportunity, and the kind of change that starts local and ripples outward.

Terrence, KARI staff at our depot

Five-Star Service, Every Visit

While the environmental and social impact is massive, it's our customer experience that truly sets Silverwater apart. In just one year, we’ve collected over 400 five-star reviews on Google - proof that fast, friendly, and efficient service makes a difference.

Here’s what our customers are saying:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The staff are friendly and helpful. Recycling bottles has never been more convenient. Highly recommend for anyone looking to do their part for the environment.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Easy, quick and hassle-free process to drop off containers. 200+ containers in less than 5 mins.”

We pride ourselves on creating a smooth and positive experience every time because when recycling is easy, more people do it.

Voices Behind the Depot

Our team is the heartbeat of Silverwater Return and Earn. One staff member shared:

“Working here doesn’t feel like a job - it feels like being part of something bigger. We see regulars every week, and the feedback we get is what keeps us motivated. It’s not just about recycling. It’s about relationships and respect.”
Staff member working at the depot

Looking Ahead

As Silverwater Return and Earn celebrates its first birthday, we’re filled with gratitude—and excitement. Year one was just the beginning. Together with our community, partners like KARI, and our dedicated team, we’re looking forward to an even bigger impact in year two.

Return and Earn and Clean Vibes Team

Come Visit Us

We invite everyone in the community to visit the Silverwater Return and Earn Depot, operated by Clean Vibes, and experience firsthand how easy and rewarding recycling can be. Whether you're driving through or signing up for a collection service, our team is ready to assist you with your recycling needs. Together, we can make a significant impact on the environment.

📍 Come see us at 196 Silver St, Silverwater, NSW 2128
🕐 We’re open seven days a week

Take Action Today for a Greener Tomorrow

Join us in our mission to reduce environmental impact and build a greener community for generations to come.

Contact us