Cobargo has a new location to return and earn with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at the Cobargo Hotel. Bega Valley Shire residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 43 million bottles and cans for recycling since Return and Earn launched in December 2017.
“The community is helping reduce litter and landfill in the Bega Valley local environment and contributing to a growing circular economy in NSW,” James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator of the scheme commented “The new Cobargo Return and Earn machine joins the more than 600 return points across NSW, providing greater ease and convenience for the local community to redeem their eligible bottles and cans for the 10c refund.”




Mr Dorney said that users of the machine have the option to print a voucher for the refund amount, redeemable for cash at Woolworths or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment into their bank account or PayPal by downloading the Return and Earn app before visiting. Dorney added that they can also choose to donate their refund to one of the charity partners listed on the machine or one of the hundreds of charities listed on the Return and Earn app.
“Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW. More than $35 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017,” Mr Dorney commented.
Dorney explained that the PCYC Far South Coast is currently featured as the local donation partner on the Cobargo Return and Earn machine. Local recyclers can also support the latest statewide recycling appeal ‘Protect our Planet’ by donating to either the Australian Marine Conservation Society or Bush Heritage Australia. Mr Dorney said that to date more than 8.2 billion containers have been returned for recycling through the network of 600+ return points across NSW.  The Cobargo Hotel Return and Earn machine is located at 41 Princess Highway, Cobargo and is open from 7am to 8pm daily.