A new educational campaign created by Tasmanian children is helping people of all ages navigate the state’s container refund scheme, demonstrating how the younger generation is championing environmental initiatives.
The video, now available on the Recycle Rewards website and social media channels, features young Tasmanians explaining how to use reverse vending machines, which containers qualify for the 10c refund and proper etiquette at refund points.
Nine-year-old Eleanor Barbour, who appears in the video, said it was “fun to film the video and meet all the other kids”.
“It’s important to keep waste out of our environment because it can hurt our animals,” she said.
Fellow participant, eleven-year-old Aarav Velloor, said using the system is easy.
“You just scan your code, put the bottles and cans in and then you get a refund. It only takes a minute. People probably don’t realise how simple it is until they try it,” he said.
Aarav is saving his refunds for a soccer ball while also planning to donate to charity.
The initiative appears to be gaining traction across Tasmania, with statewide container returns averaging more than 230,000 daily.
In just four months since launching, more than 27 million containers have been returned through the scheme’s 40-plus refund points, including locations on King and Flinders Islands.
Aluminium containers make up the majority of returns at approximately 63%, followed by plastics at 21%, glass at 15%, and other materials at about 1%.
TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said children play a key role in promoting recycling habits.
“Kids are the perfect champions for recycling – they’re curious, enthusiastic and they love making a difference,” Roughley said.
The Recycle Rewards program allows participants to either keep their 10c refunds or donate them to local charities and community groups.
