Penrith Return and Earn Depot, which has processed over 112 million drink containers from local residents, has celebrated its move to a new location in Emu Plains.

Now located at 7 Pullman Place, Emu Plains, the staffed depot can quickly process large numbers of eligible containers for the 10c refund.   

The community relaunch saw Penrith MP, Karen McKeown, Penrith Deputy Mayor, Cr Garion Thain and St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz, celebrating the new location with members of the local community and the Penrith Return and Earn Depot team. 

The depot, operated by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, is one of 19 return points in the Penrith City Council area, supporting residents, charities, sporting groups, schools and businesses to recycle, earn a refund and help the environment. 

Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW.  Over $100 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017. 

As operator of Penrith Return and Earn Depot, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW receives a handling fee for every container processed, generating income that is reinvested into their community support programs and services, such as food assistance, financial aid and homelessness support.

Penrith Return and Earn Depot is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, and from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm on Sundays.  

For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.   

Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM:

“Penrith City Council residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 555 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began. 

“Statewide, more than 16 billion containers have been returned for recycling through the network of over 660 return points across NSW. This means over $1.6 billion in container refunds back in people’s pockets.”  

Quotes attributable to Yolanda Saiz, CEO - St Vincent de Paul Society NSW:   

“We’re thrilled to officially launch the Penrith Return and Earn Depot in its new location and continue supporting the environment and the community. 

“In the seven years we’ve been serving the region, we’re proud to have returned $11 million in container refunds to the Penrith community.”