18 Jun How 10-cent bottle refunds are helping sick kids — one container at a time

Most families know the 10-cent bottle and can refund as a handy way to clear out the recycling bin or give kids some pocket-money motivation. But a timely reminder about a new campaign, shows those small refunds can also become a powerful way to support children’s health.

How your empty bottles can help children’s research

Those empty drink bottles, cans and cartons piling up after lunchboxes, sport or weekend family gatherings might not look like much. But when families choose to donate their container refunds, 10 cents at a time can quickly turn into something much bigger.

A six-month Return and Earn fundraising campaign for Jeans for Genes has raised more than $210,000 for Children’s Medical Research Institute, after recyclers donated the refunds from more than two million eligible containers. The money will support scientific research into treatments and cures for children’s genetic conditions.

Jeans for Genes is the fundraising campaign behind Children’s Medical Research Institute, which supports research into serious childhood conditions including cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cancer.

Professor Roger Reddel, Director of Children’s Medical Research Institute, said the support “means the world” to researchers, describing every donation as “an investment in humanity”.

A small refund that adds up

In NSW, Return and Earn gives a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers returned through the scheme. Most empty drink containers between 150ml and 3 litres are eligible, and families can check for the 10c refund marking or use the Return and Earn app to check eligibility.

Across Australia, container deposit schemes now operate in every state and territory, with a 10-cent refund applying to eligible containers.

The idea is simple: instead of taking the refund as cash, a voucher or a digital payment, families can donate it to a charity, school, community group or sporting club. In NSW, the Return and Earn app allows users to choose from more than 300 donation partners, and 100 per cent of the refund goes to the selected organisation when the app barcode is scanned at a return point.

A good job for kids

For children, collecting containers can be a practical lesson in recycling, community giving and how small actions add up. A bag of 20 eligible containers is only $2, but a school, team or charity drive can quickly grow when many families contribute.

It can also be an easy family habit: keep a separate bag or tub for eligible containers, check labels as you go, and let children help sort and return them. Some families may choose to save the refund for pocket money, while others might donate every second return or support a cause during a campaign.

Meet Marjo from Bargo

The Jeans for Genes campaign also celebrated long-time supporter Marjo Hallowell, known as “Marjo from Bargo”, who has been raising funds for Children’s Medical Research Institute since 2017.

Through Return and Earn, Marjo has raised more than $25,000 by recycling around 250,000 eligible bottles and cans — a remarkable example of how steady, small efforts can make a real difference.

How families can get involved

Families in NSW can visit Return and Earn to find a nearby return point, check container eligibility or choose a donation partner. Clubs, schools and community groups can also use container refunds as a simple fundraising idea.

It may only be 10 cents at a time, but as this campaign shows, those small refunds can help keep containers out of landfill — and support research that gives children and families hope.

Find your local bottle and can refund scheme

Families can return eligible drink bottles, cans and cartons for a 10-cent refund through container deposit schemes across Australia. Refunds can often be kept, paid digitally, or donated to charities, schools, clubs or community groups.

Most schemes cover eligible drink containers from 150ml to 3 litres, but there are local differences, so families should check their state or territory website before returning containers.

RELATED POSTS

The Hidden Dilemma of Frozen Eggs Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi