Recycle Rewards: Tasmanian container deposit scheme launching this week
The state’s long-awaited container deposit scheme will finally launch this week, with its ‘reverse vending machines’ set to become a familiar site to Tasmanians.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tasmania’s long-awaited container deposit scheme is finally set to launch this week and the iconic South Hobart Tip Shop is gearing up for an influx of people flocking to the site in order to use one of the ‘reverse vending machines’ synonymous with the new program.
The Recycle Rewards scheme will launch on Thursday, May 1, allowing people to deposit eligible 150ml-3L drink containers in exchange for 10 cents each.
The program is expected to slash the number of drink containers going to Tasmanian landfills and is pitched as a key measure in cutting the state’s waste footprint and boosting recycling rates.
A total of 49 refund points will be established across the state in coming months, including at the South Hobart Tip Shop, which is run by the not-for-profit Resource Work Cooperative.
Tom Crawford, Resource Work Cooperative’s general co-ordinator, said container deposit schemes were an important way of increasing recycling and reducing litter.
“Having this [refund point] on our site brings people in and then we get to have that conversation around reuse,” he said.
Mr Crawford said reuse had “much more of an impact than recycling” but the two went “hand-in-hand”.
“Our waste hierarchy is all about avoiding waste to landfill and valuable resources need to be diverted as much as possible,” he said.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said once the scheme was “fully deployed”, 85 per cent of the Tasmanian population would be able to access a refund point within 10km of their home.
While Labor supports Recycle Rewards in principle, it has questioned the cost of the scheme as retailers raise concerns about a possible consumer backlash amid an associated cost increase of up to 22c for almost every bottle and can of drink sold in the state.
Ms Ogilvie said Tasmania had “strong laws against violence toward retail workers” and acknowledged the cost challenges associated with the program.
“Tasmania’s unique geography creates unique challenges, including a smaller container volume and population size; the transport of containers across Bass Strait; and our lack of access to the economies of scale enjoyed by mainland states,” she said.
Greens waste spokeswoman Helen Burnet said Recycle Rewards would be “good for the environment”.
“Putting a value on cans and bottles to make sure as many as possible are recycled is just commonsense, especially considering the energy and materials required to make these single-use items,” she said.
A full list of Recycle Rewards refund points, as well as eligible containers, can be accessed at recyclerewards.com.au.
More Coverage
Originally published as Recycle Rewards: Tasmanian container deposit scheme launching this week
One injured in vehicle, e-bike collision
Police are at the scene after a vehicle and an e-bike collided on Main Road at Glenorchy, injuring one person. The latest.
‘Could have turned bad’: driver faces court over Cygnet ramming
A 26-year old Channel man who deliberately rammed his ute into an adversary’s stationary vehicle during an early morning melee on Cygnet’s main street faces court.