Moama Return and Earn operator Alastair Finlay at work.
Acommitment to recycling and waste reduction by Murray River Council has resulted in it being awarded the Population Category C – Resource Recovery Award at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns Awards.
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The annual awards celebrate initiatives making environmental, social and economic contributions across NSW, recognising the efforts of councils, community groups, schools, businesses and volunteers.
The Resource Recovery Award was presented for the work done through the Moama’s Return and Earn Depot.
The award recognises projects that recover, recycle or safely manage materials that would otherwise become waste, helping divert materials from landfill and improve waste management outcomes.
Murray River Council established the Moama Return and Earn facility in late 2024 to address low container recovery rates and litter, and recently added new compactors to improve the recovery of cardboard and polystyrene.
Murray River Council has been recognised for its commitment to recycling and waste reduction at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns Awards.
Mayor John Harvie said the award recognises the value of providing accessible recycling infrastructure to keep waste out of landfill.
“The success of the Moama Return and Earn facility shows what can be achieved when we make recycling accessible and work together as a community,” he said.
“We’ve hit some great milestones at the facility this year; reaching an incredible five million containers returned, so this award is a wonderful recognition of the community members, local organisations and partners who have supported the initiative.”
“I also acknowledge the dedication of our waste team at the facility, whose excellent service has been central to its success.”
Located at 91 Centre Rd, Moama’s Return and Earn Depot is open 7-days a week for bulk container recycling as well as cardboard and polystyrene processing.
Visit council’s website for more details or opening hours.
