You can now return and earn at five locations in the Kiama LGA with the newest Return and Earn machine now open in Jamberoo.

Jamberoo Golf Club is the home of the new machine, joining the four other return points located at Service NSW, Kiama Woolworths, Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club and the Michael Cronin Oval in Gerringong.

Board member and Marketing Coordinator of Jamberoo Golf Club, Colin Booth, says it is already popular with locals using it every day. 

“People have been coming here with their boxes and bags full and you can hear the machine clicking all the time as the empty bottles and cans go through,” Mr Booth says.

“It is convenient and the locals appreciate it because they have been recognised as a community.”

Jamberoo Golf Club volunteer Pete Young with local golfer, Shirley Walsh

For the Golf Club itself, the Return and Earn machine is bringing in much needed income for the volunteer organisation. Mr Booth says they will be looking at dispersing some of the money to the maintenance staff.

“The Return and Earn will assist us here and there is no question about that. But overall, it is a long-term benefit for the community and that is the key thing.”

Local recyclers can collect their refund through vouchers that are redeemable for cash at Jamberoo IGA or direct bank transfers and Paypal via the Return and Earn app.

People will also have the option to gift their refunds to one of Return and Earns donation partners that will be listed on the machine. With charities rotated every three to six months, the current donation partners are PCYC Shoalhaven, GIVIT and Animal Welfare League NSW.

With residents in the LGA returning more than 15 million containers to the machines since 2017, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway and network operator for Return and Earn, James Dorney, says charities and community groups have received more than $30 million from donations since the scheme launched.

The machine, at the front of the clubhouse, is open daily from 7am to 7pm