From Cheer to Change: Vinnies Expecting Holiday Surge in Return and Earn Customers

Vinnies is reminding NSW residents to recycle their drink containers through Vinnies-operated Return and Earn depots during this Christmas and New Year period. 

People who return their eligible bottles and cans can claim the 10c container refunds, which could be vital for some families who are struggling in the current cost-of-living crisis to find the additional funds they need at this time of the year. 

“In past years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of people using the Vinnies Return and Earn depots over the Christmas break. We’re expecting to see the same this year,” says Mitch Saddler, Director of Commercial Enterprise at St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. 

“Christmas parties and family get-togethers can generate large volumes of containers, and our depots have a convenient drive-through service which can process up to 100 containers a minute without you sorting plastics from glass. This makes it easy for people who are bringing in large loads of recyclables.” 

“It’s a great way for our customers to earn some extra money at a time of year that can be very expensive for some people.” 

In 2023, the containers being processed throughout the Vinnies-operated Return and Earn depots increased in November and December, with the numbers of containers processed up to 35% higher than in the winter months. 

New depots in Griffith and Maitland, which opened to the public this year, have allowed even more people access to the container deposit sites operated by Vinnies around NSW. Last financial year, Vinnies processed more than 130 million containers, providing $13 million in refunds for customers. 

“We’ve recently seen a few older residents bringing in their grandchildren to raise some extra pocket money to buy their Christmas gifts,” says Mr. Saddler. “It’s heartwarming to see how people in our local communities are able to benefit from the Return and Earn scheme, especially around the holiday season”. 

As a return point operator, Vinnies receives a handling fee for every container processed through its facilities. This has become an important revenue stream for St Vincent de Paul Society which is reinvested into the community through our programs and services.