Tasmania’s container refund scheme has smashed its monthly record, with more than 13.5 million drink containers returned in January.
The result marks the biggest month for Recycle Rewards since it launched in May last year.
The milestone means Tasmanians have now returned more than 83.5 million containers in just nine months, worth $8.35 million in refunds at 10 cents each.
TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said the figures showed strong community commitment to reducing waste.
“This is an extraordinary month for the scheme and for the state,” he said.
“Every container returned is one less in landfill or litter and these results show Tasmanians are committed to making a real difference.”
The Goodwood depot led the way with 1.1 million containers returned, followed by Waverley with 940,000, Somerset with 750,000, Devonport with 630,000 and Cove Hill with 580,000.
Southern Tasmania has embraced the scheme most enthusiastically, accounting for 48.5% of total returns with 40.5 million containers.
The north has contributed 24 million containers at 28.7%, while the north-west has returned 19 million at 22.8%.
TOMRA Cleanaway general manager Corey Wingard said seasonal refund points and extended hours at tourist hotspots helped drive the January surge.
“Recycle Rewards refund points are conveniently located within 10km of home or work for 85% of Tasmanians,” he said.
“Additional refund points near Tasmania’s favourite attractions makes recycling easy for travellers too.”
The scheme operates across 49 refund points statewide, including on King and Flinders Islands.
Community groups have also benefited from the program’s success.
Tasmanians donated $46,794 in refunds during January, bringing total donations to charities, schools and sporting clubs to more than $230,000 since May.
