Ten million containers have been returned through southern Tasmania’s largest container deposit depot in just 12 months, with operators crediting strong community support for the milestone.
The Goodwood Recycle Rewards Depot is run by Social Enterprise Employment and Diversity, a not-for-profit known as SEED that provides training and jobs for people with disability.
SEED depot manager Karl Gregory said the figure reflects ongoing community support for both the depot and the organisation’s broader mission.
“The support from day one has been incredible,” Gregory said.
“We are very grateful to the community members, local businesses and groups who continue to support the depot, whether through container drop-offs or our container collection service.”
“Just as important is what this has created for our team, we are seeing our staff gain skills, grow in confidence and move towards open employment, which is what SEED is all about.”
Among those benefiting is Arthur, a team member who has worked at the depot since it opened.
After previously working across SEED’s gardening and cleaning teams, Arthur was keen to develop his customer service skills and has since become a confident operator of machinery, earning his forklift licence along the way.
“I like my work at the depot. It’s giving me opportunities to improve, build my confidence and independence every day,” Arthur said.
“We see a lot of containers come through every day, but now hearing it’s hit 10 million makes you realise how huge it actually is. It feels so good knowing I have played a part in reaching 10 million.”
In the lead-up to the depot’s launch, Arthur travelled interstate for training, marking his first time leaving Tasmania and his first flight.
He has since completed training with network operator TOMRA Cleanaway and is now working towards open employment.
The site runs two machines, each capable of processing more than 100 containers per minute, allowing individuals, businesses and community groups to return bulk loads and receive refunds in cash, through an app or by donating to charity.
Container litter across Tasmania has been cut in half just 12 months after the state’s container refund scheme launched.
The Recycle Rewards program, which gives people 10 cents for every eligible drink container they return hit its litter reduction target in its first year of operation.
Figures from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s annual litter survey show drink container litter dropped 50% between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 surveys.
Soft drink can litter fell 61%, beer cans dropped 58% and plastic bottles were down 46%.
