New return vending machines at Shark Park have been given a huge workout since they began operating on Monday.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority said 24,229 containers had been returned by Thursday morning.
The bank of four reverse vending machines (RVMs) are located in a corner of the car park of Cronulla Leagues Club and Southern Cross Group Stadium.
Two machines take glass containers and two which accept plastic, cans and cartons.
Since their launch, new machines have also begun operating in Menai Marketplace, and another site at Sutherland is expected to be announced by the end of the month.
The facilities are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Customers can donate their refund directly to selected charities – Cancer Council, St Vincent de Paul, Surf Life Saving NSW and Planet Ark – or receive the refund via electronic payment to their registered account.
Alternatively, they can choose to receive a credit voucher towards shopping at Woolworths or redeem it for cash in a Woolworths supermarkets.