Tasmania’s new container refund scheme has made a splash, collecting more than a quarter of a million containers on its first day.
The Recycle Rewards program officially launched across Tasmania on Thursday and saw 256,000 eligible containers recycled.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the response demonstrated strong community support for the initiative.
“More than 110 community organisations and sporting clubs are benefitting from the scheme, helping to fundraise for important grassroots projects,” she said.
The scheme offers a 10-cent refund for every eligible container returned to one of the 40 refund points currently established throughout the state.
According to Tor Eirik Knutsen, Chairman of TOMRA Cleanaway and President of TOMRA Asia, Tasmania’s adoption rate has been exceptional.
Knutsen, who has overseen similar programs in Romania, Ireland, Slovakia and Austria, described it as ‘the most successful take up of a scheme on day one’ that he has witnessed globally.
The rollout is continuing across the state, with plans to establish a network of 49 refund points when fully implemented, including locations on King and Flinders islands.
