If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of having your bottles and cans whisked away from your doorstep for a tidy refund, you might want to check your inbox—and your bank balance.
A new annual fee from a popular bin collection service has left many residents scratching their heads; some even threaten to toss their blue bins for good. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s caused such a stir, and what your options are if you’re caught in the crossfire of this recycling ruckus.
Since 2017, the New South Wales Return and Earn scheme has been a win-win for the environment and for savvy Australians keen to pocket a few extra dollars.
The idea is simple: collect eligible drink containers, return them to a depot, and receive 10 cents per item. For many, it’s become a family affair—kids, parents, and neighbours pitch in to fill bags and bins.
For a one-off fee, you’d get a blue bin, fill it at your leisure, and book a collection. The refund would land in your account in a couple of weeks, all without leaving your driveway.
Rockdale Return and Earn was one such business for years, offering this service for free after the initial bin purchase. But as many loyal customers recently discovered, that’s no longer true.
Bayside residents were blindsided when invoices for a $55 annual fee ($50 plus goods and services tax) started appearing in their inboxes. For some, it was the first they’d heard of any change.
‘I’ve been a customer for years and paid for my blue bin upfront, so I was surprised to get an invoice for an annual fee without any warning,’ one resident said.
Social media and local community groups quickly lit up with confusion and frustration. Some wondered if the invoice was a scam, while others questioned the value of the service now that the fee often outweighed the refund they received from their recycling.
‘If I only get $20 or $30 back a year, why would I pay $55 for the privilege?’ asked one mum.
Others worried their recycling habits might slip without the blue bin, and containers would end up in the regular yellow bin instead—a step backwards for the environment.
Communication breakdown
So, why did so many people feel blindsided? According to Rockdale Return and Earn, they did send out emails to notify customers of the new fee, boasting a 98 per cent delivery rate.
But clearly, something got lost in translation, as many customers claim they never received any notice.
Co-owner Nat explained, ‘The convenience of our collection service saves customers the time and expense of visiting a depot. Our six trucks travel widely across Sydney, and we receive no council subsidies—we’re a privately owned family business.’
She also pointed out that the new fee allows them to improve service, with faster collections, quicker repayments, and dedicated customer support.
Interestingly, the annual fee has been standard for new customers and those using the Lane Cove branch for years, with little backlash. Rockdale customers were given a 12-month grace period before the fee kicked in.
Is the service still worth it?
For some, the answer is a resounding no. The maths doesn’t add up if you’re not a big drinker or don’t generate enough containers to fill the bin more than once or twice a year.
Others, however, value the convenience and are happy to pay a little extra to avoid the hassle of depot trips.
It’s worth noting that the Return and Earn scheme itself is still free—you can always take your containers to a depot or reverse vending machine yourself. The fee only applies to the private home collection service.
If you decide the service isn’t for you, opting out is straightforward. You can return the bin for a final collection, or keep it—the company won’t chase you down for it.
‘We’re more than happy to have a chat if the customer feels the service isn’t viable for their usage,’ said Nat.
Have you been hit with a surprise fee for your bin collection service? Does the convenience outweigh the cost, or will you dust off your gloves and head to the depot yourself? And what would make you more likely to keep up your recycling efforts?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Share your story in the comments below.
Also read: Could your rubbish bin hold Australia’s next energy source?
