Tasmania’s cash for cans launch date revealed
The state government has revealed the kick-off date for the state’s drink container recycling scheme. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme.
Tasmania
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Tasmania’s long-awaited drink container recycling scheme will begin operation on May 1, Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie announced on Tuesday.
Recycle Rewards will pay a refund of 10 cents for all eligible empty drink containers returned to 49 designated refund points across Tasmania.
Grants are available to assist small beverage producers with the cost of obtaining barcodes and updating labels ahead of the scheme’s launch, Ms Ogilvie said.
The government has set aside $80,000 for the transition funding with the maximum amount that a business can receive is $1,000.
Ms Ogilvie encouraged all Tasmanians to familiarise themselves with the scheme and its operation.
“Recycle Rewards has two goals: to reduce litter and increase recycling, both of which will support the development of our circular economy,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“Drink containers make up as much as 45 per cent of Tasmania’s litter, and through Recycle Rewards, we hope to reduce that by half and double their recycling rate.
“Recycle Rewards will launch on May 1. In the meantime, keep recycling as normal using your yellow kerbside bin or using public recycling bins.”
Under Recycle Rewards, Tasmanians can receive a refund of 10 cents for an eligible drink container returned to any one of 49 refund points deployed across the state in a phased rollout from May 1, including on King and Flinders Islands.
The scheme is administered by TasRecycle, and the network of refund points are operated by TOMRA Cleanaway Tasmania.
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.
Regulations were drafted in 2023.
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