Tasmania’s long-awaited container deposit scheme will finally become reality today, with people now able to claim 10 cents for every eligible drink container they return.
The Recycle Rewards initiative aims to significantly reduce the number of containers ending up in landfill, with 49 refund points planned across the state.
Once fully deployed, 85% of the Tasmanian population will be able to access a refund point within 10km of their home.
Most drink containers between 150ml and 3L will be eligible for the 10 cent refund, including aluminium cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, small cartons and steel containers.
However, wine and spirit bottles, plain milk containers, large juice cartons, cordial bottles and containers under 150ml are excluded from the scheme.
The program includes specific requirements for containers to qualify for refunds.
Containers should not be crushed, must have intact barcodes and readable labels, lids should remain attached, and containers must be empty but not require washing.
Collected containers will be sorted and sold to recyclers in Australia and overseas, reducing waste and decreasing demand for new raw materials.
The scheme also offers a charitable option, allowing people to donate their refunds directly to registered Tasmanian organisations instead of claiming the money themselves.
The initiative targets containers most commonly found as litter in Tasmania’s streets, beaches, waterways and parks. Other recyclable items can continue to be placed in kerbside recycling bins.
