Container deposit scheme laws pass Tasmanian parliament

Tasmania consumers will soon be able to get cash for donated containers, becoming one of the last states in Australia to adopt the recycling scheme. HOW IT WILL WORK + HAVE YOUR SAY >>

TASMANIANs will soon be able to cash in their cans after long-awaited container refund laws passed the Legislative Council.

The new laws, which provide for a 10c deposit refund on disposable drink containers, have been the subject of long debate in Tasmania.

Consumers are expected to be able to claim their refund from a variety of places, including reverse vending machines.

South Australia has had a container deposit scheme since 1977. All other states except Tasmania and Victoria have started their own in the last decade.

Environment Minister Roger Jaensch said passing the laws was a great step forward for recycling.

“The Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021 is another long-awaited piece of legislation that will reduce litter in Tasmania by rewarding Tasmanians for directing their used drink containers into recycling, which is a win for the environment and our circular economy,” he said.

Alfred Gray sorts a delivery of recyclable containers at the new Cash for Containers recycling centre in Edmonton, Far Norht Queensland. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

“Under the Scheme, Tasmanians will receive a 10-cent refund for returning eligible drink containers to designated Refund Points around the State.”

Mr Jaensnch said the scheme would also operate as a potential revenue source for community groups.

“Tasmanian charities and community groups will also be able to take part by collecting containers, receiving donations, or operating return points and receiving a handling fee,” he said.

Jeff Angel from the Boomerang Alliance welcomed the scheme becoming law.

“Passage of the container refund law is a great victory for the community who have had to fend off beverage industry lobbying and misinformation for many years even up to the last few weeks,” he said.

“Amendments proposed by Coca Cola fortunately failed as they would have stifled litter reduction and recycling potential. Tasmania can now move onto putting container refunds into place delivering a cleaner environment and circular economy.

“At last with Tas and Vic moving, Australia will be fully covered with this great scheme.”

Follow @DavidJKillick