Return and Earn is a unique fundraising channel that converts your litter reduction and recycling efforts into dollars to support your cause.
Get started
Four quick steps to begin fundraising.
1. Define
Determine exactly what your fundraising goals are.
2. Choose
Pick a method that works best for your group.
3. Inform
Tell your group about the fundraiser and explain how they can help.
4. Collect
Get everyone involved in the collection process.
It’s easy to raise funds through Return and Earn. We’ve created a toolkit full of information and promotional materials to help you build a rewarding fundraising campaign.
Our helpful fundraising toolkit
Download our handy toolkit for a guide to setting up and promoting your fundraising efforts. It includes printable posters, stickers, newsletters and social media info.
How to fundraise with Return and Earn
Return and Earn is set up with two methods to fundraise. You can either partner with the scheme or collect containers and refunds. You can choose either or both methods.
1. Become a Donation Partner
Partner with Return and Earn to receive refunds directly from people recycling their drink containers at any Return and Earn machine or depot.
Schools, sports clubs, charities or community groups can be featured on the Return and Earn app.
Once set up, simply encourage your supporters, your community and everyone else in your network to begin collecting eligible containers and donate some or all of their drink container refunds to support you when they return and earn. It’s that simple.
How can I set up my organisation or cause to get donations through Return and Earn?
Community organisations and charities can register to be listed as a donation partner on the Return and Earn app. Once registered, you can receive donations from your supporters when they recycle their drink containers at any Return and Earn machine in NSW. Register now to connect with over 400,000 Return and Earn app users (your potential donors!).
2. Collect containers to Return and Earn
You can organise collections of eligible containers and then return them for a refund of 10c each.
Set up a single point for collections and let your colleagues and supporters know where that is. It could be a tub, bin, cage or a trailer.
Once you’re ready to return your containers, take them to any return point in NSW. For larger volumes of containers, we recommend you visit an automated depot.
More tips can be found in the fundraising toolkit at the top of the page.
Organise direct collections
Some automated depots can organise to pick up your collection. To find out if your nearest depot offers this service, check out their return point page and give them a call.
Fundraising success stories
Container recycling a boon to charity fundraising in Sydney’s multicultural west
- 10 April 2024
Coolamon Lions Club and Junee Correctional Centre join forces to recycle and fund local organisations
- 2 October 2023