Forbes residents have contributed more than 10 million containers through the Return and Earn scheme so far, data from the Environment Protection Authority shows.
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Return and Earn celebrated its third birthday in December, the Forbes reverse vending machine was installed in Sam Street some 10 months after the scheme began.
Young residents are among the most enthusiastic users of the scheme, they've recycled more than 18,700,000 items through Return and Earn machines in the past three years.
Parkes has recycled over 17,800,000 and Cowra more than 15,400,000.
An EPA spokesperson said the scheme has created a community-wide shift in attitude towards recycling.
"Return and Earn continues to be an outstanding success across New South Wales. Over 4.8 billion containers returned for recycling through the scheme's state-wide network since it commenced three years ago, with the latest research finding three out of four NSW adults have participated in the scheme," an EPA spokesperson said.
"The scheme has fundamentally changed people's thinking and behaviour around litter with over 40 million containers on average returned per week through the network of over 600 return points across NSW," the spokesperson added.
Return and Earn is becoming an increasingly important fundraising avenue for charities and community groups, more than $15.5 million has been returned through donations and fees from hosting return points.
Local charities who have benefited from the scheme as donation partners at local return points, giving participants the option of donating some or all of their refund to them, include Parkes Dragon Boat Club, Ronald McDonald House Orange and Young Hospital Auxiliary.
Container materials that may be eligible for a refund include glass, plastic, aluminium, steel and liquid paperboard (cartons).
Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label intact. If a container isn't eligible for a refund, use a recycling bin.