Wollongong was ranked third in the state among local government areas for the total tonnage of recyclable materials returned via the automated stations over the past three years.

With 10290 tonnes of glass, aluminium and plastics recycled in three years, Wollongong was ranked only behind first-placed Blacktown, and the Central Coast.

There were 4.6 billion containers recycled and $460 million in refunds back into the hands of the community, network operator Tomra Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said.

Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said this saved space in landfill and money for the council.

"From my perspective, as far as Wollongong is concerned, everyone's looking for creative ways to raise funds for various causes and this has been a great hit in terms of raising funds for organisations, charities, sporting groups," he said.

"Also, we can't forget there are some sectors of our community who are struggling, and they can use this to supplement their income as well. So it has a social benefit in that effect."

Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, said two out of three drink containers sold in NSW in the past year were recycled through the scheme.