A new $5-million container sorting facility has opened in northern Tasmania to handle the flood of bottles and cans being returned through the state’s container refund scheme.
Cleanaway opened the facility in St Leonards on Tuesday, backed by joint venture partner TOMRA Cleanaway, which operates the Recycle Rewards scheme’s collection points across the state.
Tasmanians have returned more than 100 million containers since the scheme launched in May last year – just 11 months ago.
TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the facility would deliver on-island sorting and processing to keep pace with growing demand.
“This new facility is where millions of returned containers will be sorted, processed and prepared for a second life by turning the state’s container waste into valuable resources,” he said.
Cleanaway CEO Mark Schubert said the investment reflected the company’s commitment to improving Tasmania’s resource recovery capabilities.
“This facility will play a vital role in enabling Tasmania’s circular economy through working with our partners to ensure valuable resources are recovered and returned to the value chain,” he said.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie praised the scheme’s results and said it is helping to cut container litter, boost recycling and reduce landfill.
“Every container returned not only helps cut container litter in half, but also supports creation of new jobs, local business opportunities, and stronger communities,” she said.
“With Recycle Rewards, Tasmanians now have a simple, practical way to be part of the solution.”
The facility will sort and process containers collected from return points across Tasmania, preparing materials for reuse rather than sending them to landfill.
Recycle Rewards is Tasmania’s version of the container deposit schemes now operating in every Australian state and territory.
Consumers receive a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned.
