Not for profits such as schools, charity, sports or community groups can apply to become a local donation partner at Return and Earn reverse vending machines.

Currently there are four Return and Earn RVM’s in the Port Macquarie-Hastings without a partner group.

They are, Woolworths, Lake Cathie, Port Macquarie’s Growers Market, Coles Lake Innes, Woolworths and Wauchope’s IGA Hasitngs Co-op.

Residents using one of the RVM’s 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 CEO Ryan Buzzell said there has been an overwhelming response to the Return and Earn scheme throughout the state.

“Communities are embracing the chance to earn money for their empty plastic and glass containers,” he said.

“We are excited to be giving the people of the Mid-North Coast an opportunity to earn on their container returns, or support their local not-for-profits, while taking steps towards reducing litter in our environment.

“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.”

Beyond the financial benefits of using Return and Earn, people across the state returning containers are also contributing to a cleaner environment. 

With the scheme helping to contribute to a reduction in litter volume in NSW by 40% by 2020, everyone involved will be making a positive impact on our environment.

Groups can check their eligibility and apply to be on their nearest RVM in the ‘Donation Partners’ section of the TOMRA website www.tcnsw.com.au

TOMRA is a network operator for the NSW Return and Earn scheme.

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 three 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.