Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the figures highlighted the community’s strong support for the state’s largest litter reduction initiative.

“Return and Earn is reducing litter in our parks and streets plus it has delivered more than $1.5 million in refunds in the local area,” he explained.

“Since Return and Earn began just over a year ago more than 1.3 billion containers have been collected at return points across our state and eligible drink container litter volume has reduced by 44 per cent.

“These are great results and show the immediate impact that Return and Earn is having in NSW.

“And, 15 million returns is a mark of the electorate’s support of the scheme.”

Numbers of returns in the electorate include: 

* Muswellbrook Marketplace: 1,441,184

* Pursehouse Rural Supplies, Muswellbrook: 3,444,899  

* Woolworths Scone: 3,938,488

* Woolworths Singleton: 5,005,845

* Singleton Golf Club: 1,212,656

“I thank everyone in Upper Hunter who is already using Return and Earn and encourage anyone who hasn’t yet tried it, to visit a return point to claim their 10 cent refund,” Mr Johnsen said.

“People using reverse vending machines can also choose to donate their refund to one of the donation partners listed on the machine.

“Partners currently include OzHarvest, the McGrath Foundation, Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife and local donation partners – PCYC Singleton at Woolworths Singleton, 1st Scone Scout Group at Woolworths Scone and Youth Express Association Incorporated at the other three machines in Singleton and Muswellbrook.

“Any Upper Hunter schools, charities, community or sporting groups that want to be listed as a local donation partner on local machines can register their interest on the Return and Earn website.

“Return and Earn is a great way to help keep our local environment clean and to fundraise at the same time.”

For a full list of return point locations as well as information about eligible containers and becoming a donation partner visit www.returnandearn.org.au