Applications Open for Return and Earn Bin Baskets for NSW Councils

NSW councils can now apply for Return and Earn bin baskets, a new initiative for recycling and reducing waste, as state expands its container deposit scheme.

The New South Wales government has opened applications for Return and Earn bin baskets, a new initiative aimed at expanding recycling infrastructure across the state. The program, which is part of the broader Return and Earn container deposit scheme, will provide councils with dedicated bins for collecting eligible containers at public events, parks, and other community locations.

The bin baskets are designed to complement existing kerbside recycling services and increase the capture of eligible containers such as glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminium cans. The scheme incentivises recycling by offering a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned.

"Return and Earn has been a huge success in NSW, and this new initiative will build on that success by making it even easier for people to recycle," said James Griffin, NSW Minister for Environment. "The bin baskets will help reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and keep our communities clean."

The bin baskets are part of the NSW government's commitment to achieving a 70 per cent recycling rate by 2027 and reducing waste to landfill. The program is also expected to create jobs in the recycling sector and support the circular economy.

"We are committed to making NSW a more sustainable state and Return and Earn is a key part of that effort," Griffin said. "The bin baskets will make it easier for people to do the right thing and recycle."

The Return and Earn scheme has been one of Australia's most successful container deposit schemes, with more than 12 billion containers returned since it began. The new bin baskets are expected to further increase participation and divert even more waste from landfill.

The applications for councils will be open until August 31, 2026. Successful applicants will receive funding to purchase and install the bin baskets, which will be provided free to councils. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the NSW EPA and the scheme's network operators, TOMRA Cleanaway.

Here is the question this initiative raises. The Return and Earn scheme has been a success, with more than 12 billion containers returned since its inception. When the NSW government expands the program with bin baskets, is this next step in achieving a circular economy, or is it just a small step in a much larger challenge?

As applications open for Return and Earn bin baskets for NSW councils, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When the state's container deposit scheme continues to expand, what role will councils play in driving recycling rates, and will the bin baskets live up to their promise of reducing waste?

FAQ:

Q: What are Return and Earn bin baskets?
A: Return and Earn bin baskets are dedicated bins for collecting eligible containers at public events, parks, and community locations, as part of the NSW container deposit scheme.

Q: Who can apply for Return and Earn bin baskets?
A: NSW councils can apply for the bin baskets through a funding program managed by the NSW EPA and network operators TOMRA Cleanaway.

Q: What is the Return and Earn scheme?
A: Return and Earn is NSW's container deposit scheme, which offers a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned, increasing recycling rates and reducing litter.

Q: How many containers have been returned through Return and Earn?
A: More than 12 billion containers have been returned through the scheme since it began.

Q: What is the NSW government's recycling target?
A: The NSW government is aiming to achieve a 70% recycling rate by 2027 and reduce waste to landfill.

Q: What is the application deadline for Return and Earn bin baskets?
A: Applications for councils will close on August 31, 2026.