Tasmanians have returned more than 100 million drink containers through the state’s Recycle Rewards scheme in less than 11 months, delivering $10 million back to the community.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie announced the milestone on Mount Wellington on Saturday, describing the scheme as “a huge success”.
“I encourage all Tasmanians to see how small actions – returning an eligible bottle, can or carton – add up to big benefits,” she said.
Launched on May 1, 2025, the scheme has processed 102.6 million containers across 45 refund points statewide, with a redemption rate of 52.3%.
The effort is equivalent to taking 8,000 cars off the road for a year and has generated enough energy savings to power 1,813 homes annually.
An online impact calculator has been released to mark the milestone, allowing individuals, schools and charities to track their contributions.
TASRecycle chief stakeholder and communications officer Molly Hill said the tool made the benefits more tangible.
“It’s not just something that we know is good for the environment, we can actually see the environmental difference that we’re making,” she said.
More than $265,000 has been donated to charities and community groups, with 650 donation partners – the highest number in the country.
Tomra Cleanaway general manager Corey Wingard said the scheme was also creating jobs.
“We’re returning 100 million containers, but we’re providing jobs for Tasmanians as well,” he said.
Tasmania’s uptake rate has outpaced other states, with the north-west leading at 218 containers returned per person.
Waratah-Wynyard tops council areas at 348. Hobart trails at just 64 per person and Launceston 234 per person.
Minister Ogilvie said she had noticed a visible drop in roadside litter since the scheme began.
“This is an example of how Tasmania can blend environment and technology and community in such a beautiful way,” she said.
