Tasmanian charities and community groups can now apply to receive donations through the state’s new container refund scheme, set to launch on May 1
The initiative, called Recycle Rewards, will allow Tasmanians to donate their 10 cent container refunds directly to registered organisations rather than claiming the money themselves.
TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said the donation partners would play a crucial role in the scheme’s community impact.
“Importantly, you don’t have to only be a registered charity to qualify,” he said.
“In other states all sorts of organisations are benefiting from their local container refund scheme, including community and sporting groups.”
Several organisations have already registered, including larger bodies like Variety and the Royal Flying Doctors Service, alongside smaller groups such as Launceston United Soccer Club and the Dover Community Workshop.
Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation’s Fundraising Manager Erica Lark-Ewing said the initiative is offering a valuable income stream for their organisation.
“We’re 89% funded by the Tasmanian community so we rely on the generosity of supporters,” she said.
“We see Recycle Rewards as a perfect opportunity to build a reliable source of income, which we can then invest back into research,.”
James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway which operates the network, described the registration process as straightforward.
“The process is simple and designed to on-board charitable organisations with support from our dedicated team,” Dorney said.
Interested organisations can register through the Recycle Rewards website.
The scheme is a Tasmanian Government initiative funded by beverage industry contributions and administered by not-for-profit TasRecycle.
