Hawkesbury residents will soon notice a change to public bins across the region, with Hawkesbury City Council rolling out 30 new Return and Earn bin baskets in high-traffic areas.
Attached to the side of existing public bins, these clearly branded baskets provide a simple alternative to throwing drink containers away, giving bottles and cans a second life while supporting local community members.
Instead of heading to landfill, eligible containers can now be placed in the baskets for others to collect and return for the 10-cent refund through the Return and Earn scheme. For many, that small gesture can make a meaningful difference — from kids earning pocket money to local community groups fundraising for important causes.
The initiative follows a successful trial by Exchange for Change, which found the baskets reduced drink containers ending up in landfill by as much as 80 per cent, a result that highlights just how effective simple, community-minded solutions can be.
Hawkesbury City Mayor Les Sheather said the program delivers both environmental and social benefits.
“The bin baskets are a simple solution to keep recyclable drink containers out of landfill,” Mayor Sheather said.
“Anyone out and about can now just leave their empty bottle or can in one of the bin baskets for someone else to collect. This simple act gives someone else the chance to claim the refund, whether it’s a child collecting for extra pocket money or a local group collecting as part of their fundraising. It keeps our local environment clean while helping our community.”
The rollout aligns with Council’s broader goal of reducing waste to landfill, while empowering residents to play a direct role in sustainability efforts.
Programs like this demonstrate how practical, low-cost initiatives can deliver real outcomes, cleaner streets, less waste, and new opportunities for community connection. With the Hawkesbury’s strong culture of local participation and innovation, the bin basket initiative is expected to be widely embraced.
The baskets have been provided through Exchange for Change’s Bin Baskets for Councils program, reinforcing a growing partnership between local government, environmental organisations and the community to build a cleaner, more sustainable Hawkesbury.
