The first drink container recycling machine in Tasmania has been installed this week, ahead of the program’s long awaited launch in two months.
The scheme, called Recycle Rewards, will start on May 1, allowing Tasmanians to deposit eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the new Reverse Vending Machine at the Cove Hill Precinct in Bridgewater is one of more than 40 being installed across the state.
“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,” she said.
TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said the RVMs will give Tasmanians an opportunity to help the environment.
“Recycle Rewards will allow Tasmanians for the first time to return eligible containers from 150ml to 3L and receive a 10c refund,” he said.
“The fact is that across Tasmania around 45% of all litter volume is made up of drink containers.”
“Recycle Rewards aims to cut that in half, which means fewer bottles in landfill or floating in our waterways, so that’s great for our environment.”
A full list of Recycle Rewards refund points will be available online in late April.
