Donation recipients sought

A community member using a Return and Earn reverse vending machineA community member using a Return and Earn reverse vending machine

Central Coast charities and community groups have until Monday, October 15, to apply to become one of four donation partners on their local Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machines (RVM).

As a donation partner, Central Coast not-for-profits such as schools, charities and sports or community groups, have the opportunity to receive donations from 10 cent refunds on eligible plastic or glass containers returned to Reverse Vending Machines. A number of RVMs in the area are still in need of a charity partner, so Return and Earn RVM operator, TOMRA, is encouraging groups to get in their applications as soon as they can. Central Coast RVM’s still looking for a local donation partner this quarter include: Coles Kincumber, West Gosford and Green Point; Woolworths Lisarow; and, Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club. The Central Coast community can choose to support a not-for-profit group from their local area by returning their eligible drink containers and donating their 10 cent a container to that local group.

If people donated even one in 10 containers to charity through RVMs on the Central Coast, that would make a difference for local donation partners in the area over a 12-week period and have a positive impact on local charities. Donations over $2 made to not-for-profits on the RVMs with deductible gift recipient status are tax deductible, and consumers will receive a receipt to use in their tax return. Ryan Buzzell, Director of TOMRA Cleanaway said: “We’ve already seen an incredible response from the people on the Central Coast who have really embraced the Return and Earn scheme.

“Now, with the added incentive of being able to support the local community through container donations, we would love to see the community rally behind their local schools, sports groups, charities and not-for-profits, by donating container returns. “Donation Partners are free to use the donations however they like, whether it helps provide funding to buy uniforms, host an event, replace or repair equipment, or go on an excursion, it’s up to them.” Return and Earn is aiming to reduce the amount of litter volume in NSW by 40 per cent by 2020, recycle containers across the state, and keep our environment clean. Donation partners are selected based on meeting eligibility criteria and on a first come first served basis, and will be rotated quarterly. New charity partners will appear on RVMs Monday, November 26.

Source: Media release, Oct 4 Tim Hayes, POEM Group

A link to the application form for local charities is here