New Return and Earn baskets help Maitland's community recycle more

Maitland City Council has installed 30 Return and Earn container collection solutions at selected public bins across Maitland, creating opportunities for the community to collect and return eligible drink containers.

The rollout is supported by the NSW Government through the Return and Earn scheme.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said the initiative supports practical, community-based recycling improvements across the city.

“This simple initiative makes it easier for people to keep eligible drink containers out of landfill and support recycling in our public spaces,” Mayor Penfold said.

Five tray units have been installed at The Levee, two at the High Street and Lawes Street, East Maitland precinct, and one at Swan Street, Morpeth, complementing existing bin and recycling infrastructure in these high-traffic public spaces. A further 22 larger-capacity baskets were installed at selected locations across the city.

The collection units provide signposted places for eligible containers, allowing community members to collect and return them through the NSW Return and Earn scheme for a 10-cent refund.

Eligible containers include drink containers that are empty, uncrushed, include the barcode and lid, and display the 10-cent refund symbol.

More information about Return and Earn container collection solutions, including installation locations, is available on Council’s website: mait.city/BinBaskets