In 2017, Surf Life Saving NSW partnered with Envirobank to implement a recycling program that allowed surf lifesaving clubs to establish a reliable fundraising stream whilst also having a positive impact on the environment.
During the 2020/21 patrol season, surf clubs recycled a total of 170,152 containers, fundraising $16,272.40.
By recycling this number of containers, the positive environmental and social impacts are substantial with 247,822 liters of water saved, 28,502KG of CO2 redeemed, 350.08 GJ of energy unused and 44.24M of landfill avoided.
The Envirobank initiative relies on community members collecting and donating their eligible containers at a participating local surf club where the 10c return is put towards purchasing vital rescue equipment and the training of surf lifesavers.
To find out where you can donate containers, a full list of participating clubs is available on the SLSNSW website.