Key Takeaways
- The Initiative: Public bin baskets allow community members to leave eligible drink containers for others to collect and claim for cash rewards.
- Key Locations: Specialized recycling baskets have been installed across high-traffic local spots including Gordon Station, Wahroonga Park, and Lindfield Oval.
- Recycling Milestones: Local residents recycled over 3 million items weighing 173 tonnes between June and December 2025 alone.
New Exchange for Change bin baskets rolled out at major train stations and public parks to divert cans and bottles from landfill.
Council has installed container deposit baskets across Ku-ring-gai as part of a new recycling trial.
The baskets are provided by Exchange for Change as part of its Return and Earn Bin Baskets for Councils program.
The baskets provide a simple way for residents to leave eligible drink containers for others to collect and redeem for cash through Return and Earn.
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said the initiative will help boost recycling efforts.
“We know that most people do the right thing and recycle their cans and bottles, but unfortunately we still do find many making their way into landfill,” Mayor Kay said.
“The bin baskets are a visual cue to separate out recyclable bottles and cans, reduce landfill and give containers a second life.
Ku-ring-gai residents deposited more than 3 million containers in the Return and Earn scheme between June and December 2025.
The 6-month contribution weighed 173 tonnes – equivalent to around 30 adult African elephants.
The baskets are located at:
- Gordon Station
- Wahroonga Park
- St Ives Shopping Village
- Turramurra Station and shops
- St Ives Showground
- Pymble Station and shops
- North Turramurra shops
- Lindfield Oval
- Hassall Park
- Roseville Park
- Golden Jubilee Field
Council staff will monitor the baskets for contamination and how quickly they fill.
