As NSW celebrates the major new Return and Earn milestone of 11 billion containers recycled , The Hills Shire locals have millions of reasons to join in the celebrations , having recycled an incredible 174,474,312 bottles , cans and cartons through their local return points .

The Liberals and Nationals in government commenced the

scheme around six years ago . Mark Speakman was the Environment Minister who oversaw the legislation and said at the time “ giving people a financial incentive to do the right thing will benefit everyone ”. Since its introduction , the scheme has surpassed all expectations , with more than a billion dollars in container refunds back into people ’ s pockets

and almost a million tonnes of materials recycled . Charities , local community groups and schools are also benefitting from the scheme , with $ 54 million raised statewide for hundreds of charities and community groups via donated refunds and return point hosting fees . In The Hills Shire the collective recycling efforts are making a difference . The positive impact of

recycling containers into new containers rather than using virgin materials is equivalent to :

• energy savings equal to the average annual use of 1,820 households ’

• CO 2 emissions avoided equal to taking 7.773 cars off the road for a year

• water savings that could fill 410 Olympic-size swimming pools

With all plastic and glass drink containers collected through the network recycled in Australia , Return and Earn has led to a 54 % reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels and become a leading contributor to our growing domestic circular economy .

For more information about Return and Earn or to find your nearest return point visit www . returnandearn . org . au .

Member for Kellyville Ray Williams MP said “ Congratulations to the The Hills Shire community for making Return and Earn part of your regular routine . Your enthusiastic participation is playing an important role in growing our domestic circular economy and achieving a more sustainable future ”.

“ Recycling your eligible bottles , cartons and cans through Return and Earn is an easy way for all of us to help the environment and support the work of some amazing local charities .”

“ Return and Earn is a great environmental success story – and one that whole communities can participate in and be rewarded by ”.

“ I love seeing enterprising children making some extra pocket money through this service , while building foundational habits around recycling and waste reduction . It ’ s a win-win Mr Williams said .

“ I ’ m thrilled to see that six years or so after its introduction by the coalition Government , it ’ s become a way of life for so many local households .”