Introduction: A simple idea with big recycling potential
New South Wales’ Return and Earn program has already transformed recycling habits, with two out of every three eligible containers being recycled. But a persistent gap remains: the containers that are consumed out of home, often ending up in general waste. Exchange for Change, in collaboration with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and TOMRA Cleanaway, is piloting a surprisingly simple solution to close this gap: clearly branded bin baskets attached to public waste bins.
The pilot that’s changing behavior, not just logistics
Launched in part by the Sutherland Shire Council and Eurobodalla Shire Council, the trial installed 130 wire baskets next to public bins as part of the Return and Earn initiative. The aim was clear: make it easy for people to separate drink containers right where they would otherwise discard them. Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, highlights the core insight: convenient, visible collection points can redefine everyday behavior.
What the data shows
The results are compelling. Eurobodalla Shire saw an 80 percent reduction in drink containers found in public litter bins, while Sutherland Shire reported a 50 percent reduction. These figures demonstrate that a significant volume of recyclable material was previously slipping through the cracks and ending up in landfill.
Why bin baskets work: design and accessibility
The baskets are deliberately non-traditional. They are clearly branded for Return and Earn and mounted on the side of existing bins, creating a visible, dedicated space for drink containers. This helps people understand exactly where to deposit items, improving convenience and encouraging participation in the deposit-return system. Importantly, the baskets are accessible to anyone who wishes to redeem the 10-cent deposit.
A proven model with potential for broader rollout
While the idea is not new—European programs and Western Australia have used cradle or basket-style collection points—the NSW pilot stands out for its rigorous approach. It includes pre- and post-audits that provide concrete data on effectiveness, offering Exchange for Change a proven model to scale across the state.
Beyond the numbers: community, cost and the ecosystem
Danielle Smalley notes that the benefits extend beyond a simple reduction in litter. By diverting containers from red waste bins, councils can improve waste-management efficiency and potentially reduce disposal costs. The baskets also present opportunities for community engagement and fundraising; local groups and charities can leverage the baskets for campaigns, becoming a reusable “cake stall” venue for good causes.
Scale, social impact and the road ahead
Since Return and Earn began in December 2017, the network has recycled 14 billion containers, with an additional 3.8 billion processed via kerbside collections. The program’s five-star material quality supports a robust circular economy, with recycled plastics and metals feeding into new products and lower greenhouse gas emissions than virgin materials.
NSW’s scheme has raised more than $82 million for charities and community groups, a powerful social impact that resonates beyond environmental benefits. Major partners include Children’s Medical Research Institute, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Foodbank NSW & ACT.
Looking ahead, Exchange for Change plans broader adoption of bin baskets across more councils, with parallel efforts targeting other out-of-home settings—offices, hospitals and multi-unit dwellings. The aim is to make recycling as easy and convenient as possible, so that the final third of containers is captured.
Final thoughts: culture change takes time but momentum is growing
Recovering the final third of containers will be challenging, but with a broad base of public participation—four in five adults in NSW have used the scheme—and practical tools like bin baskets, the path forward is clear. European programs that have matured over decades show that behavior change is gradual. The NSW approach, grounded in data and community engagement, is positioned to deliver lasting impact as it expands.
