Machine making Tasmania’s container deposit scheme possible
Tasmania is catching up with other states, such as South Australia and Victoria, on the recycling game and this ‘reverse vending machine’ is a key reason why.
Tasmania
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Tasmania’s long-awaited container deposit scheme is a step closer to becoming a reality after its first “reverse vending machine” was officially unveiled.
The Recycle Rewards scheme will launch on May 1, allowing people to deposit eligible 150ml-3L drink containers in exchange for 10 cents.
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 into the future and increasing recycling rates.
The first refund point is located at the Cove Hill Precinct at Bridgewater and is one of 49 that will be rolled out across the island in coming months.
The Cove Hill reverse vending machine will not be usable until May 1.
TasRecycle, a not-for-profit formed by beverage giants Lion, Coca-Cola, and Asahi Beverages, will serve as the scheme co-ordinator, while TOMRA Cleanaway Tasmania will be the network operator.
Ken Roughley, the CEO of TasRecycle, said reverse vending machines (RVMs) would give people the opportunity to help the environment and make money at the same time.
“You’ll be able to choose to keep the refund for yourself or to donate it to a charity partner,” he said.
“The fact is that across Tasmania around 45 per cent of all litter volume is made up of drink containers. The Recycle Rewards scheme aims to cut that in half, which means fewer bottles in landfill or floating in our waterways, so that’s great for our environment.”
TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the installation of the first reverse vending machine under the scheme was a significant milestone.
“Cove Hill is the first Recycle Rewards RVM point we have placed in Tasmania, and over the coming months, we’ll be delivering a network of 40 refund points including reverse vending machines and depots that will enable Tasmanians to return their eligible drink containers from May 1,” he said.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the upcoming launch of the container deposit scheme was “good news for locals and good news for our environment”.
“[Australia] will be the first continent in the world to have a container refund scheme across every state and territory,” she said.
“Every one of these RVMs will be able to process a container every second – that’s an impressive and important step in reducing litter and boosting recycling.”
A full list of Recycle Rewards refund points will be published in late April at recyclerewards.com.au.
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Originally published as Machine making Tasmania’s container deposit scheme possible
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