Return and Earn has been well received in Mittagong with more than 5.6 million containers collected at reverse vending machines in Mittagong (1,129,275) and Mittagong West (4,540,952) over 12 months in 2018.

“A new state record was set on January 2, when an incredible 6.8 million drink containers were returned across the state,” environment minister Gabrielle Upton said.

“Between 21 December 2018 and 7 January 2019, there were six days with more than six million drink containers returned a day, and the daily average is now 5.8 million drink containers a day being processed across the state.

Mittagong has helped contribute to more than 1.2 billion containers collected statewide since December 1, 2017.

Read also: Down to Business: Sweet tooths have their say on favourite cakes

As well as redeeming 10 cents for each container, people returning to the Mittagong machines can also choose to donate their refund to one of the groups listed on the machine.

This currently include donation partner Can Assist Southern Highlands, as well as statewide partners OzHarvest, the McGrath Foundation, and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

Return and Earn has reduced eligible drink container litter volume by 44 per cent bringing it to an all-time low of 37 per cent of the NSW litter volume stream.

Any schools, charities, community or sporting groups who want to feature on a reverse vending machine can visit returnandearn.org.au to find out more information and express their interest.

You can also find details about collection points on the website.