Tasmania’s container deposit scheme is coming ‘soon’, says minister – years after legislation passed

The years-long delay to the rollout of the state’s container deposit scheme is perplexing, Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley says.

Glass recycling. Picture: file/iStock.

The years-long delay to the rollout of the state’s container deposit scheme is perplexing, Green Deputy leader Vica Bayley says.

Tasmania is the last state without a container deposit scheme. South Australia has had one since 1977.

After a feasibility study in 2009, a cost-benefit analysis in 2014 and a model framework in 2018, parliament passed the Container Refund Scheme Act in 2022 and regulations were drafted in 2023.

But the “Recycle Rewards” Scheme still has no start date other than “soon”.

Recycle Rewards will pay a refund of 10 cents for all eligible empty drink containers returned to designated Refund Points across Tasmania.

Vending machines have been installed around Sydney for depositing empty plastic bottles or cans.

Mr Bayley said it was hard to understand why the scheme was taking so long.

“We acknowledge that this is complex and that there are a range of stakeholders and economic interests and the like but it’s not like this hasn’t been done before.

“It’s not like this is new concept that hasn’t been rolled out in other states, or indeed other countries.

“We are continually perplexed, as are our constituents who continually get in touch with us about the delays in getting this going.

“The longer it rolls on the more concerned we get.

“Perhaps there’s something amiss here, and perhaps the government is indeed listening to the wrong influences when it comes to this legislation.”

Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan said there would be an announcement “soon”.

“A competitive procurement process is being finalised to appoint the Scheme Co-ordinator to run the administration and finance and the network operator to manage the network of refund points across Tasmania and contracts will be awarded shortly.

“Details about the scheme, including the commencement date, will be announced once entities for the scheme co-ordinator and network operator roles have been selected and contracts finalised.

“The Tasmanian government is committed to a container recycling scheme that will work for the community and the environment, that provides opportunities for charities and community groups and maximises the number of containers returned.”

Originally published as Tasmania’s container deposit scheme is coming ‘soon’, says minister – years after legislation passed