A strategy that aims to bring environmental, social and economic returns to the people of NSW has marked four years of operation.
Since it was launched, litter reduction initiative Return and Earn has seen more than 6.5 billion containers returned for recycling through its network of return points.
This equates to 595,500 tonnes of materials recycled and more than $650 million in refunds going back into the community.
Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.
"With three out of four adults in NSW having participated, these results highlight how collectively a small change in people's routines can have a positive impact," Chief Executive of scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, Danielle Smalley said.
James Dorney, the Chief executive of TOMRA Cleanaway, which manages the network of 620 plus return points, said the scheme provided ongoing social and economic benefits to communities.
"Over the past 18 months, as more traditional face-to-face fundraising methods have become limited, we've really seen how important Return and Earn has become to raise money for community groups," he said.
"An incredible $28.4 million has been raised for community groups and not-for-profits via donations and fees for leasing return points. This figure doesn't include the many informal container collection drives we see happening all over the state."
Return and Earn is also being used in NSW schools to encourage students to recycle and to fundraise for school projects or charities.
A recent survey by the Australian Association of Environmental Educators (AAEE NSW) showed 52 per cent of NSW schools surveyed are actively participating in Return and Earn.
"We're seeing schools use Return and Earn to fundraise for solar panels, veggie gardens and to support worthwhile community causes," Ms Smalley said.
"These initiatives along with the great environmental outcomes of the scheme are being used to show young people that together we can have a positive impact."