Introduction: A simple idea with big potential
New South Wales’ container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, has already achieved remarkable recycling success, with two-thirds of eligible containers being recycled. Yet a stubborn third remains — the containers consumed out-of-home and ending up in general waste bins. A pilot program using clearly branded bin baskets attached to public waste bins is testing a practical solution to this challenge, delivering visible, convenient recycling points exactly where many containers are discarded.
The pilot: where and how it started
In a collaboration between Exchange for Change, the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, two councils led the way: Sutherland Shire and Eurobodalla Shire. They installed 130 wire baskets on the sides of public waste bins as part of the Return and Earn initiative. The aim was simple: make recycling easy and highly visible so that people who would otherwise throw containers away are nudged toward collection instead.
What the data shows: real behavioural change
Chief Executive Officer Danielle Smalley describes the results as astounding. In Eurobodalla Shire, drink containers found in public litter bins dropped by 80 per cent, while Sutherland Shire saw a 50 per cent reduction. These figures demonstrate that a meaningful volume of recyclable material, previously destined for landfill, can be recovered with a small, focused intervention.
Why the bin baskets work
The baskets provide a clean, convenient, and highly visible way to manage waste near the point of discard. They are not meant to resemble traditional bins; instead, their distinctive design invites people to separate containers from general rubbish. Any member of the public can return containers and claim the 10-cent deposit, reinforcing positive recycling behavior through immediate reward.
Context and precedent: a European nod to innovation
While the concept of bin collars or basket-style collection points is not new — with examples in Europe, notably Norway, and in Western Australia — NSW’s pilot stands out for its rigorous evaluation. Pre- and post-audit data provides concrete evidence of impact, enabling Exchange for Change to refine and expand the program with confidence.
From pilots to a state-wide expansion
With strong early results, the program is poised for broader rollout across New South Wales. Sutherland Shire Council and Eurobodalla Shire Council have set a precedent, showing how local governments can partner with state agencies and operators to capture the elusive third of containers. The goal is to scale up while maintaining simplicity and accessibility.
Beyond litter reduction: broader benefits for councils and communities
Participating councils enjoy more than cleaner streets. By diverting containers from red waste bins, they can improve overall waste management efficiency and potentially reduce disposal costs. The bin baskets also open opportunities for community fundraising, with local groups able to use the collection points to support charitable causes in a tangible, ongoing way.
A path to a tougher objective: the three-out-of-three target
Danielle Smalley acknowledges that recovering the final third will be challenging. The approach, however, is clear: expand the toolkit to “out-of-home” settings such as office buildings, hospitals, and multi-unit dwellings, while maintaining the core principle—easy, visible, and convenient recycling. With four out of five adults already participating in Return and Earn, the foundation for change is strong.
Conclusion: a practical step toward a circular NSW
Recovering more containers means more high-quality material for recycling facilities, a stronger circular economy, and greater social impact through donations to charities and community groups. The bin basket program, backed by data and driven by public participation, offers a pragmatic path to capturing the missing containers and turning small behavioural shifts into lasting environmental gains.