RETURN and Earn network operator TOMRA is encouraging Lake Macquarie and Central Coast charities and community groups to apply to become donation partners at their local reverse vending machines.
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As a donation partner, local not-for-profit organisations such as schools, charities and sports or community groups have the opportunity to receive donations from 10-cent refunds on eligible plastic or glass containers returned to reverse vending machines (RVMs) in the area.
A number of RVMs in the area are still in need of a charity partner so TOMRA is encouraging groups to get in their applications as soon as they can.
Among the local RVMs still seeking a charity partner are Woolworths, Lake Munmorah; Club Catalina, Rathmines; and Coles, San Remo.
The machines allow people to receive 10-cent refunds for every eligible drink container returned, which they can choose to redeem with the listed retail partner, or receive as an electronic transfer via PayPal.
Locals can choose to support their not-for-profit groups by returning their eligible drink containers and donating their refund amount to that local group.
Donation partners are selected based on eligibility and on a first-come-first-served basis, and will be rotated quarterly.
The next round of applications will close on Monday, July 16.
Network operator TOMRA’s chief executive officer, Ryan Buzzell, said there had been an overwhelming response to the Return and Earn scheme across the state, with communities embracing the chance to earn money for their empty plastic and glass containers.
“We are excited to be giving the people of the Hunter region an opportunity to earn on their container returns, or support their local not-for-profits, while taking steps towards reducing litter in our environment,” Mr Buzzell said.
“Being able to support your local community through donations to schools, sports groups, local charities and not-for-profits is a great incentive for everyone to use the reverse vending machines and makes the positive act of recycling even more rewarding.
“Groups are free to use the donations however they see fit, whether it helps provide funding to buy uniforms, host an event, replace or repair equipment, or go on an excursion.”
Groups can check their eligibility and apply to be on their nearest RVM in the ‘Donation Partners’ section of the TOMRA website tcnsw.com.au.
Reverse vending machines are the only container return option that supports local donation partner options. Over-the-counter collection points, automated depots, and donation stations do not have local donation partners.
Most 150ml to 3-litre beverage containers are eligible for a 10 cent refund provided they are made from glass, plastic, aluminium, steel or liquid paperboard. Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken, and have the original label intact.
