How to Return and Earn Without Leaving Home

Lane Cove Return and Earn (an ITC Business Supporter) is reshaping the recyclables-for-cash scheme so it’s easier for locals to earn a quick buck in the most convenient ways.  Forget about feeding those bottles into a machine one by one – collecting cash for containers has never been easier.

But First, What Is Return And Earn?

The return and earn scheme allows NSW residents to collect eligible recyclable containers and trade in each bottle, can and carton for a 10-cent refund at a designated return point location.

The scheme was commenced by the State Government in 2017 to reduce drink container litter around NSW. Since its launch, well over 13 million containers have been returned via the return point network.  The scheme is having an impact on the number of bottles and cans that used to end up polluting our parks and waterways.  Each year, the Stringybark Creek Residents Association cleans up Batten Reserve, and since the scheme has been introduced, the number of bottles and cans collected has reduced significantly.

There are 600 return points for the initiative around NSW and can vary from DIY automated machines, to whole facilities with employees lending a hand – Lane Cove Return and Earn is the latter and can be found on 67 Mars Rd, Lane Cove West.

So What’s The Convenience?

The Lane Cove facility has the space and resources to make a quick in-and-out cash for container run possible.

The area has parking spaces for around 30 vehicles and trolleys and staff to help transport the recyclable goods to machines which sort the bottles out and have you paid in minutes.

“We’ve got a system where we can chuck everything into a big tub, and it just separates them through the back, so it’s a speedier service and more efficient. And that’s between the hours of 8 am till 4 pm, Monday to Friday,” the facility manager, Eddie Canciani, told ITC.

“We do have just two machines, but we’re pretty quick in how the service is provided. So they’re usually depending on how many things people have. If it’s just 100 bottles, it’s less than a minute, if you’ve got like 3000 bottles, probably like 20 minutes or so.”

Recyclers can bring in 10,000 containers at a time, and with a 10-cent refund for each recyclable, that can be turned into $1000 a day.

It is recommended to bring them in before 4 pm to have them processed and be paid on the same day. However, you can avoid this process almost completely if you opt for the scheme’s pick-up service.

Home & Business Collection

Houses and businesses alike are able to have trucks come and collect their filled up bins from their door. For this feature a one-off fee of $70 for a 240 L bin is required as well as a $50 annual service fee.

These bins can hold up to 250 – 310 containers. But it is important to note that if the bin is not accessible or only half-full, the job will be cancelled, and a $5.00 collection fee may be charged. The same rules apply if the bins are highly contaminated or full of ineligible materials, so remember, before you order, to keep your bins full, accessible, and clean for your driver.

But What Is An Eligible Container?

Eligible containers most commonly found in NSW are bottles, cans, water bottles, cartons and juice boxes.

These containers are usually between 150ml and 3 litres. They must not be crushed, still have their label and be empty.

Milk containers, glass wine bottles, glass spirit bottles, juice bottles over one litre, and cordial bottles are NOT eligible.

It is important to note that although these containers are not eligible for a 10 cent refund, they can still be placed in your regular household recycling bins.

Sounds Great. Where Do I Sign Up?

Well, that’s easy. If you’d like this pick-up service and are a new customer then you can sign up here via the Lane Cove Return and Earn website.

If you have a full bin and need a collection, similarly you can order the pick-up on the website here.

If you’re not tech-savvy or don’t have a computer, then the facility can provide you with a phone number on request that you can use to order pick-ups.

If you’re a school, sports club or charity fundraiser and would like to use this service to raise money or teach kids the value of recycling (while letting them earn a bit of pocket money as incentive of course) then you can also do enquire via the website.

If you’d like to deliver your bottles the old-fashioned way, you can visit the Lane Cove Return and Earn Facility at 67 Mars Road Lane Cove West, Enter via Sirius RD (Opposite Kanes Hire).

Contact Details

Address: 67 Mars Road Lane Cove West
Phone: 1300 114 527
Email: [email protected]
Website:  https://www.lanecovereturnandearn.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lanecovereturnandearn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanecovereturnandearn/

Opening Hours