Recycling made easier with new Return and Earn machine at Maitland PCYC

Maitland residents have a new location to recycle their eligible bottles, cartons and cans with the opening of a new Return and Earn machine at the PCYC.

The new return point is the sixth in the Maitland area, making it easier for the local community to redeem their eligible bottles and cans to get the 10c refund.

Recyclers using the machine can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed for cash at Woolworths, or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.

Locals can also choose to donate their refund to one of over 300 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app including Maitland Heritage Guardians who are raising funds for their Red Cedar Project, restoring dry rainforest along Maitland’s River.

Alternatively, recyclers can donate to the current statewide donation partner Foodbank NSW & ACT. The food relief charity provides much needed assistance to individuals and families across NSW and the ACT.

Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW.

More than $62 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017.

Over 12 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling through the Return and Earn network of over 640 return points across NSW, resulting in more than $1.2 billion in refunds back to the community.

The Return and Earn Maitland PCYC machine is located at 3 James Street, Maitland and will be open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm; and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.    

Quotes attributable to Jenny Aitchison MP:

“Maitland residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 137 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since Return and Earn began.

“I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of your regular recycling routine. Together we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials that our bottles, cans and cartons are made of are kept in use and out of landfill.

“Not only does it help the environment, but it gives people a great chance to get a bit of extra cash in their pockets.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Peree Watson 0411167049