Liverpool City Council’s Whitlam Leisure Centre’s Return and Earn Machine collects 10 million containers

The Return and Earn Machine at Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool in Western Sydney has achieved a massive milestone with the collection of its 10 millionth container, saving 600,000 kilograms of waste previously destined for landfill.

In just three and a half years, the scheme’s container collections have collected and recycled enough waste to fill 63 garbage trucks and raised funds for local community programs.

Belgravia Leisure’s Group Manager, Alexia Morgan explained “the environmental impact of the Return and Earn program at Whitlam Leisure Centre is outstanding, and has resulted in savings in water use, greenhouse gas emissions, energy and waste to landfill savings.

“In fact, this milestone has avoided 1.206 million carbon emissions which is equivalent to taking 446 cars off the road for a year.”

Advising that he was impressed at the 10 million milestone and equally pleased funds were being channelled to under-represented local groups, Liverpool City Council Mayor, Ned Mannoun commented “it’s a win-win all around. We help the environment, and we help locals. I love it.

“The biggest congratulations go to everyone in our community for their efforts in bringing these containers to the Whitlam Centre for recycling. It’s fantastic that our community is proving that Liverpool locals care about our environment.

“The scheme has seen locals deposit a whopping 335,000 containers every month, with the option to collect a refund of 10 cents per container or to donate the 10 cents to a nominated charity, school, sporting club or community.”

A steering committee comprising of representatives from the City of Liverpool and Belgravia representatives work with the community to identify how the funds are dispersed.

Mayor Mannoun said that to date, $50,000 has been raised supporting over 1,030 programs including:

•  An after-school care program for disadvantaged youth

•  A Gandangara Marumali Learn to Swim program for First Nations youth

•  A breakfast and FIT program for people experiencing disadvantage

•  A social pickleball program for seniors and youth

•  A refugee / CALD mums and bubs program

•  An after-school Learn to Swim program for the CALD community, First Nations and low-income families

•  An Afghan Women on the Move Learn to Swim program

•  A recreation and sports day for CALD youth

•  A Gandangara Family Appreciation Day for First Nations peoples

•  Capoeira (Afro-Brazillian inspired) marital arts for adults and children

•  Youth community hubs

The Whitlam Leisure Centre is partnering with TOMRA, technology partner for Return and Earn on-site.

James Dorney, Chief Executive of TOMRA Cleanaway network operator for Return and Earn and operator for CDS Vic West Zone, also applauded the milestone, adding “achievements like this milestone can only occur through collaboration to deliver a vision. Belgravia Leisure’s support of Return and Earn is a shining example of how container deposit schemes can be harnessed to deliver positive, environmental, economic, and social outcomes.”

Image: Belgravia Leisure staff at Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool.