Return and Earn has teamed up with The Smith Family in a new NSW campaign turning recycled bottles and cans into books for children experiencing disadvantage.
The six-month partnership, running until 18 October 2026, aims to raise $200,000, with every 30 eligible drink containers donated funding one book for a student.
The Smith Family is Australia’s largest children’s education charity, working with around 780 schools and supporting almost 72,000 students through its Learning for Life program.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage,” The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said.
He said Learning for Life helped students make the most of school through financial support, access to out-of-school education programs and personal support from a dedicated team member.
“Every 10c refund donated to The Smith Family through Return and Earn machines will make a big difference to the students we support,” Taylor said.
Every eligible bottle or can donated through a Return and Earn machine, depot or app will contribute 10 cents towards the fundraising goal.
If achieved, the campaign will deliver 10,000 book packs to 10,000 students.
“This campaign makes giving back and supporting kids easy,” TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said.
“Donating just 30 containers will help put a book in the hands of a young person who needs it, and we encourage communities across NSW to get behind this important cause.”
Since Return and Earn launched in 2017, more than $91 million has been raised through donations and return point hosting fees.
