Thanks to the incredible support of the community, 10 million bottles, cartons and cans have been recycled through the Mulwala Return and Earn Depot since it opened in December 2023.

By recycling 10 million containers instead of producing new ones, the Mulwala and Yarrawonga communities have helped save enough energy to power 136 households for a year and enough water to fill 23 olympic-sized swimming pools.

The effort has also avoided carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to taking 726 cars off the road for a year.

This achievement is the dedication of the Leith family and the regular locals who operate the depot, making recycling easier, more convenient and rewarding.

For Monica Leith, owner of Mulwala Return and Earn Depot, the milestone is about much more than the number of containers collected.

It reflects a community coming together to care for its environment, while creating opportunities to give back locally.

“We’re proud to offer fast, friendly and efficient container returns to make it easy for residents to cash in their eligible bottles and cans,” Monica said.

Designed to cater for everyone from households to businesses and community groups, the depot makes returning containers simple, accepting everything from individual loads to bins, bales and even ute and truckloads.

It is this convenience, combined with the community's enthusiasm, that has helped turn millions of discarded containers into a remarkable local success story.

James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, said the community's commitment was something to celebrate.

“We love seeing the dedication and enthusiasm of locals in embracing Mulwala Return and Earn Depot,” Mr Dorney said.

“The Mulwala community has not only achieved significant environmental milestones but has also strengthened their community, demonstrating the strong impact collective action can have.”

The 10 million milestone is a wonderful reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with grand gestures.

Sometimes, it starts with a bag of cans, a boot full of bottles or a trailer load of containers heading to the local depot.

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Wednesday, 10th February 2027

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