New South Wales’ Return and Earn program is to be extended to include glass wine and spirits bottles and larger containers.
The expansion would see an additional 400 million eligible bottles recycled each year, including 233 million glass bottles. All beverage containers between 150 ml and 3 litres will be accepted for a refund under the scheme.
NSW state environment minister James Griffin said public consultation is now open on the planned expansion.
“Return and Earn began as a litter-reduction tool, and since then, it’s become incredibly popular with almost 80 per cent of adults in NSW having used the scheme, which has more than 620 return points across the state.”
Since its inception in 2017, more than 8 billion containers have been returned, earning $800 million in refunds.
“The scheme’s expansion would boost recycling rates, reduce landfill, and supercharge our push towards a circular economy in NSW,” said Griffin.
The program currently accepts drink containers such as cans, beer and mixer bottles, cartons, juice boxes and poppers. Plain milk and health tonic containers will continue to be excluded.
