What TOMRA Cleanaway does

TOMRA Cleanaway is a private Australian joint venture between Norway-listed TOMRA (sensor-based sorting and collection technology) and Cleanaway (Australia's largest waste management company), incorporated as TOMRA Cleanaway Pty Limited and headquartered in Eastern Creek, NSW. Established in December 2017, the company is the appointed Network Operator for three Australian container deposit schemes: NSW Return and Earn (launched December 2017), CDS Vic West Zone (launched November 2023), and Recycle Rewards Tasmania (launched 2023). It operates a network of 650+ return points across NSW and growing footprints in Victoria and Tasmania, comprising reverse vending machines (RVMs), high-volume Return and Earn Depots, Reverse Vending Bulk Centres (RVBCs) with 'Tip and Go' technology capable of processing 100 containers per minute without pre-sorting, and over-the-counter collection points hosted by retail partners including Woolworths, Coles, and independent retailers.

The technology stack is anchored by TOMRA's proprietary reverse vending hardware, cloud-based container verification and transaction-processing systems, and per-scheme mobile applications (Return and Earn App, CDS Vic West Zone App, Recycle Rewards App) that integrate with PayPal and EFT bank payouts, store digital vouchers, and enable donations to a network of 600+ charity partners. Eligible containers — glass, plastic, aluminium, steel, and liquid paperboard between 150ml and 3L — attract a legislatively-fixed 10-cent consumer refund, distributed as digital payouts, retail vouchers, cash at depots, or charitable donations. TOMRA Cleanaway also partners with charities, schools, and community groups that host return points and earn handling fees per container processed, with cumulative donations and host fees exceeding A$100 million.

The business model is a regulated concession-style operation: revenue is generated through network-operator fees under government contracts with NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania, supplemented by commodity-sale income from clean, source-separated recyclate sold to domestic and global buyers. The core customer base is individual consumers returning containers (84% NSW participation rate), with government counterparties acting as the contracting parties. Since launch, the network has processed more than 12.5 billion containers in NSW alone (16 billion cumulatively across all three schemes), recycled over 1 million tonnes of commodity, and reduced NSW drink-container litter by 73% versus pre-scheme levels.

Name

TOMRA Cleanaway

Legal name

TOMRA Cleanaway Pty Limited

Website

https://tomracleanaway.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

TOMRA Cleanaway is the appointed Network Operator for Australian container deposit schemes in NSW (Return and Earn), Victoria West Zone (CDS Vic), and Tasmania (Recycle Rewards), running 650+ return points powered by TOMRA's reverse vending machines and cloud verification technology on behalf of state governments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recycling Network Operations

NAICS

Materials Recovery Facilities (562920), Waste Collection (56211)

SIC

Refuse Systems (4953)

akta.pro primary industry

Dual-Stream MRF Operations (Fiber/Container Sorting) (BPALADAB)

Keywords

• Container deposit schemes
• Reverse vending machines
• Recycling network operations
• Beverage container refunds
• Waste management services

Headquarters

HQ city

Eastern Creek

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Network Operator Fees: TOMRA Cleanaway operates as the appointed network operator for container deposit schemes in NSW, Victoria (West Zone), and Tasmania. Revenue is generated through government contracts for managing the collection network, processing containers, and ensuring recycling outcomes.
2. Commodity Trading: Collected containers represent a valuable commodity. Source-separated materials collected through the network result in clean, contaminant-free commodities sold to domestic and global buyers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

TOMRA Cleanaway operates as the appointed Network Operator for government-run container deposit schemes across three Australian states (NSW Return and Earn, CDS Vic West Zone, and Tasmania's Recycle Rewards). The company manages a network of 650+ return points — including reverse vending machines (RVMs), depots, bulk centres, and over-the-counter locations — that collect eligible drink containers and issue 10-cent refunds to consumers via vouchers, digital payouts, or charity donations. The collected source-separated materials are sold as clean recyclable commodities to domestic and global buyers.

Product overview

TOMRA Cleanaway operates container deposit schemes across three Australian states as Network Operator: Return and Earn in NSW, CDS Vic in Victoria's West Zone, and Recycle Rewards in Tasmania. The core offering consists of a network of return points (reverse vending machines, depots, bulk centres, and over-the-counter locations) that collect eligible drink containers and issue 10-cent refunds. The company's portfolio includes complementary mobile applications for each scheme (Return and Earn App, CDS Vic West Zone App) that enable users to track earnings, receive digital refunds via PayPal or bank transfer, store vouchers, and donate to charity partners. The products work together as an integrated recycling ecosystem: the physical return infrastructure collects containers while the digital apps manage user accounts, payments, and fundraising. TOMRA Cleanaway also partners with over 600 charity and community organizations through its Charities & Communities Program, which has generated over $100 million in donations and fees since the schemes launched.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Return and Earn (NSW) NSW's container deposit scheme operated by TOMRA Cleanaway as Network Operator since 2017. Offers 10 cent refunds for eligible drink containers through a network of over 650 return points including reverse vending machines, over-the-counter locations, depots, and reverse vending bulk centres.
• CDS Vic (West Zone) Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme operating in the West Zone. TOMRA Cleanaway serves as West Zone Network Operator, providing 10 cent refunds for eligible beverage containers returned through reverse vending machines and depots.
• Recycle Rewards (Tasmania) Tasmania's container deposit scheme operated by TOMRA Cleanaway as Network Operator, with TasRecycle as Scheme Coordinator. The scheme has returned over 150 million containers and operates 49 refund points including the Cambridge location.
• Return and Earn Mobile App Mobile application for NSW Return and Earn that allows users to scan their app barcode, track earnings, receive digital refunds to bank accounts or PayPal, store digital vouchers, and donate refunds to charity partners.
• CDS Vic West Zone Mobile App Mobile application for CDS Vic in Victoria's West Zone enabling users to scan barcodes, track earnings, receive digital payments to bank account or PayPal, store digital vouchers, and donate to charity partners.
• Charities & Communities Program Charitable fundraising program enabling schools, sporting clubs, community groups, and charities to receive donations and handling fees from hosting return points. Over $62 million raised for NSW charities since 2017; over $100 million raised in NSW total including fees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 73% reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• TasRecyclecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Scheme Coordinator for Tasmania's Recycle Rewards container deposit scheme. TasRecycle works with TOMRA Cleanaway as the Network Operator to manage the Tasmanian scheme.
• Exchange for Change (NSW) Pty LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2017Scheme Coordinator appointed by NSW state government under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001. Exchange for Change administers the NSW CDS in partnership with TOMRA Cleanaway as the network operator.
• NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe NSW EPA designed and developed Return and Earn as the regulatory body overseeing the container deposit scheme under Part 5 of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001.
• WoolworthsChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor retail partner hosting reverse vending machines and serving as a redemption partner where vouchers can be redeemed for cash or discount on purchases.
• ColesflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor retail partner hosting reverse vending machines at store locations.
• The Smith FamilyflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerStatewide donation partner for Return and Earn, helping provide young people experiencing disadvantage with equal chances to learn through education.
• Ronald McDonald House CharitymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner participating in scheme events and receiving donations through the Return and Earn program.
• Feel the MagicmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity offering support programs for children coping with loss of a loved one, registered as a donation partner with Return and Earn.
• Muscular Dystrophy NSWminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner participating in community events and receiving support through the container deposit scheme.
• Little WingsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner providing aircraft transport for sick children, participating in scheme events.
• Disabled Surfers Association, Ocean GrovemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonation recipient using CDS Vic funds to support free surfing experiences for people with disability, covering event costs and equipment.
• Salvation Army VictoriamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonation partner that received over $70,000 through CDS Vic West Zone from recyclers donating their refunds.
• RSPCA TasmaniamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecord donation of $15,000 received through Recycle Rewards Tasmania, supporting animal welfare programs.
• Foodbank NSW & ACTflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor donation partner that received over 450,000 meals donated to families in need through Return and Earn donations.
• Guide Dogs NSWmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonation partner that raised over $175,000 with the Return and Earn program to support assistance dog services.
• Various Independent Retailers (IGAs, General Stores)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndependent businesses hosting return points (RVMs, OTC, depots) and receiving handling fees for each eligible container processed.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TOMRACleanaway
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tomra-cleanaway
• Instagraminstagram.com/tomracleanaway

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TOMRA Cleanaway