RETURN AND EARN MILESTONE

Member for Manly, James Griffin has welcomed an outstanding new Return and Earn Milestone.

The Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change says 11 billion containers have now been recycled, with Northern Beaches locals recycling an incredible 197,144,161 bottles, cans and cartons through their local return points.

As the former Minister for the Environment I stated, “Return and Earn is a wildly successful NSW Government initiative that has well and truly changed the way we think about recycling and littering by turning trash into treasure.

“Much of that treasure is benefitting local communities, with $54 million raised statewide for hundreds of charities and community groups via donated refunds and return point hosting fees.”

Mr Griffin said in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area the collective recycling efforts are making a real difference. The positive impact of recycling containers into new containers, rather than using virgin materials, is equivalent to:

• The average annual energy use of 2,056 households and
• Water savings that could fill 463 Olympic swimming pools.

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

"Congratulations to the Northern Beaches 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.” Mr. Griffin said.

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