In the quest to capture every container, a pilot program using bin baskets shows a simple solution to an out-of-home recycling challenge.
For New South Wales’s container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, two out of every three eligible containers are now being recycled – a remarkable success story. But for Exchange for Change, the scheme’s coordinator, working closely with scheme partners NSW Environment Protection Authority and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, the focus is now on capturing that elusive third container.
A key challenge lies in reaching those containers that are consumed “out-of-home,” often ending up in general waste bins due to a lack of convenient, dedicated recycling options.
The solution, it appears, may be a simple yet ingenious one: The bin basket.
In a recent pilot program, Sutherland Shire Council and Eurobodalla Shire Council were among the first in New South Wales to trial the installation of 130 clearly branded wire baskets attached to the side of public waste bins, as part of the Return and Earn initiative.
Danielle Smalley, Chief Executive Officer of Exchange for Change, says the results were astounding – offering a clear path forward for capturing a portion of this “missing” waste stream.
“We’re trying to create behaviour change where it’s ingrained that drink containers don’t get thrown into a rubbish bin,” Danielle says.
“To do that, we need a highly convenient scheme. The trial was a clear demonstration that the simple act of providing a separate, visible collection point directly where containers are often discarded can drastically change public behaviour.
“People want to do the right thing, and if you make it easy for them, they will get involved.”
The data from the pilot is compelling: Eurobodalla Shire had an 80 per cent reduction in drink containers found in public litter bins, while Sutherland Shire recorded a 50 per cent reduction.
Danielle says the results show that a substantial volume of recyclable material, previously lost to landfill, can be recovered.
Beyond the numbers, the system offers a clean, convenient, and visible way to manage waste. The baskets are designed not to look like a traditional bin, deliberately catching people’s attention and encouraging them to separate their containers, which can then be collected by anyone who wishes to claim the 10-cent deposit.
The idea is not new; similar systems or ‘bin collars’ are used in Europe, particularly in countries like Norway. Western Australia has also introduced cradle or basket-style collection points in public places.
However, the New South Wales pilot is the first to conduct a rigorous pre- and post-audit, providing concrete data on the bin baskets’ effectiveness.
Danielle says this data now provides Exchange for Change with a proven model to expand the program. As pioneers in New South Wales, Sutherland Shire Council and Eurobodalla Shire Council have set a strong example. The next step is a wider rollout across the state, with more local councils encouraged to get involved and capitalise on the benefits.
“For councils that participate in the bin basket program, the benefits extend beyond a simple reduction in litter. By diverting containers from their red bins, they can improve waste management efficiency and potentially reduce costs associated with waste disposal,” she says.
“Furthermore, the program fosters a sense of community engagement, as local groups and charities can use the bin baskets for fundraising, effectively serving as a ‘new cake stall’ for their causes.”
Since Return and Earn began in December 2017, 14 billion containers have been recycled through the network. Another 3.8 billion have been processed through kerbside collections, with material recovery facilities claiming the 10-cent refund, a portion of which is often shared with councils.
CDS produces a clean stream of high-quality materials, as containers are sorted efficiently and are less contaminated than those from co-mingled recycling bins. This provides a superior feedstock for new products, fostering a circular economy.
The use of recycled materials also conserves natural resources and is more energy-efficient than using virgin materials, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond its significant environmental achievements, the NSW CDS also has a powerful social impact, with more than $82 million raised for charities and community groups through donations or hosting facilities.
Some of the major donation partners and campaigns that have worked with Return and Earn include the Children’s Medical Research Institute, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Foodbank New South Wales and ACT – a partnership focused on supporting families in need.
Danielle says while the bin baskets are a key part of the strategy, reaching the three-out-of-three goal will require a multi-faceted approach.
Efforts are also being directed at other “out-of-home” and difficult consumption areas, such as office buildings, hospitals, and multi-unit dwellings, all with the core principle of making recycling as easy and convenient as possible.
Danielle acknowledges recovering the final third of containers will be the most difficult, but with a strong foundation of public participation – four out of five adults in New South Wales have already used the scheme – and a new tool like the bin basket, the path forward seems clear.
“It will take time,” she says. “If you look at the high-performing schemes in Europe, they’ve been around for decades, so I think part of it is going to be behaviour change.
“It will take time, but we’re certainly all determined to capture as many containers as we can.”
For more information, visit:
www.returnandearn.org.au
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