Tasmania’s Recycle Rewards scheme is about to hit another milestone, with close to 10 million eligible containers returned to its Launceston depot.
The depot is run by Launceston City Mission, which uses the money it earns to help fund frontline services for people doing it tough.
Acting Premier Guy Barnett said the scheme had returned more than 145 million containers since it launched in May 2025.
He said it had halved container litter and created more than 60 jobs across Tasmania, many of them through social enterprises like the Launceston depot.
“Every bottle, can and carton returned is helping support people who need it most, whether it be through crisis accommodation, emergency relief assistance or community kitchens,” Barnett said.
Tasmanians have also donated more than $400,000 in refunds to charities, including City Mission.
City Mission’s general manager of social enterprise David Morgan said the money went straight back into community services, from emergency food relief to programs for children and alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
“Unfortunately, our services have never been as busy with people seeking support,” he said.
He said more people were coming through the doors looking for help with cost-of-living pressures like clothing, bedding, housing and bills.
For depot worker Marcus Kuebler, the scheme has meant a job. He first came in as a customer dropping off cans, then put his name down for work.
Kuebler said the depot processed about 33,000 containers a day.
Corey Wingard, general manager of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, said Tasmanians had embraced the scheme faster than expected.
There are now 51 return sites across the state, including four depots and an over-the-counter point at Cradle Mountain.
