OzHarvest is one of the lucky charity partners in a new recycling campaign ‘Bottles Can Change Lives’ at any TOMRA Reverse Vending Machines in NSW, QLD and NT. When recycling bottles or cans at any participating Return and Earn (NSW) Containers for Change (QLD) or Container Deposit collection point (NT), people have the option of donating their return to to either OzHarvest, Beyond Blue or The Salvation Army. Every donated drink container will raise 10 cents to help Aussies doing it tough during COVID-19.

OzHarvest Founder and CEO, Ronni Kahn AO explained, “The impact of COVID-19 has seen food relief hit an all-time high, with so many people experiencing food insecurity for the first time ever in their lives. We know the importance of providing a nourishing meal. It’s more than just food. It means that families who are struggling will be able to take stronger steps to rebuild their lives during this pandemic. Every five bottles or cans donated to OzHarvest allows us to provide a meal to someone in need.”

Ryan Buzzell, President of TOMRA Collection Solutions Australia, said, “The pandemic has already had an unprecedented negative impact on the lives of millions of Australians both financially and emotionally. With these hardships only set to worsen, we’d like to encourage everyone in New South Wales – whether you’ve used the scheme before or not – to collect your used bottles and cans and donate to this important cause. If we could just get 1 in 20 drink containers donated we would exceed fundraising expectations.”

The NSW Return and Earn scheme has already generated over $10.4 million in revenue and donations for charities and community groups since it started in December 2017 – including over $500,000 in fundraising for Rural Aid to help rural families devastated by drought and bushfires in the “Bottles for the Bush” appeal last summer. The Bottles Can Change Lives appeal is aiming to raise a massive $1 million for charities aiding people throughout the pandemic. Bottles donated to OzHarvest will help the organisation get emergency food relief to the millions of people across the country experiencing food insecurity.

The Bottles Can Change Lives appeal kicked off this week and will run until 21^st February 2021. To see how your contributions are having an impact and find your nearest return point, go to returnandearn.org.au or show your support on social media using #bottlescanchangelives.

How to donate to TOMRA’s “Bottles can change lives” recycling appeal in NSW:
Recyclers in NSW can donate their eligible containers at one of the +320 Return and Earn machines and any participating return points located across the state. Visit www.bottlescanchangelives.org.au to find your nearest recycling machine.

How to donate to TOMRA’s “Bottles can change lives” recycling appeal in QLD:
Recyclers in QLD can donate their eligible containers at one of the 10 TOMRA Recycling Centres across SE QLD. Visit www.bottlescanchangelives.org.au to find your nearest TOMRA recycling centres.

How to donate to TOMRA’s “Bottles can change lives” recycling appeal in NT:
Recyclers in NT can donate their eligible containers at the TOMRA Recycling Centre – 11 Tang Street, Coconut Grove, Darwin. Visit www.bottlescanchangelives.org.au for more details.

How to donate to TOMRA’s “Bottles can change lives” recycling appeal in WA:
Recyclers in WA can donate their eligible containers at one of the 5 TOMRA Recycling Centres across WA (from 1^st October 2020) Visit www.bottlescanchangelives.org.au to find your nearest TOMRA recycling centres.