MEDIA RELEASE | 1 May 2025, Tasmania– Today marks a new era for Tasmania’s environment with the official start of the state’s new container refund program, Recycle Rewards.
The Minister for the Environment Madeleine Ogilvie joined Scouts Tasmania at the Resource Work Cooperative’s South Hobart Tip Shop for the official launch of the Recycle Rewards container refund scheme.
“From today, Tasmanians can make big change from small change, by returning eligible containers and receiving a 10c refund,” Minister Ogilvie said.
“Tasmania now joins every state in Australia in having a container refund scheme up and running, and the results nationally have been incredible. In fact, today Australia becomes the first continent in the world to have a container refund scheme in every state and territory.
“Today, we’ve seen young Scouts using Recycle Rewards, and that’s what it’s all about, together we’re reducing litter, and increasing recycling – that’s good for Tasmanians and good for the environment.”
Scouts Rover Luke Bosworth said that the Scouts were well prepared for Recycle Rewards.
“We’re excited that Recycle Rewards is now live in Tasmania. Working together, we can care for the environment and raise important funds,” Luke Bosworth said.
“Every eligible drink container we collect goes toward helping Scouts buy safety equipment, repair trailers, and subsidise costs for getting to Scouts events like the Jamboree.
“Scout youth, their families and Scout volunteers regularly collect litter on hikes, walks and we participate regularly in recycling and clean up events. These will be just some of the ways we collect containers for Recycle Rewards.”
TasRecycle’s Chairman Ben Kearney said Recycle Rewards was simple and easy for Tasmanians to use.
“Simply purchase a drink in an eligible drink container, return the empty container at a refund point (either a reverse vending machine or depot) and receive 10 cents for every eligible container,” Mr Kearney said.
“You can then choose to either receive a voucher, or cash if you’re at a depot, or directly donate to one of our Donation Partners.”
“Look for the ‘10 cent mark’ on drink containers as a general guide for what is eligible. Most bottles and cans from 150ml to 3L are included.”
TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said a network of 40 reverse vending machines and depots were now set up across the state.
“We have established a network of refund points far and wide across the state. On behalf of TOMRA Cleanaway, the Network Operator for Recycle Rewards, we are proud of our role and welcome everyone to the Scheme and encourage all Tasmanians to access the network of container refund points which has been established.”
“A tremendous effort from a large team has culminated in today’s scheme launch and I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to each and every person that has been involved.”
“Through the Recycle Rewards website and app, Tasmanians will be able to find their closest refund point, check operating hours and work out whether they will choose to keep or donate their refunds.”
“Over 100 donation partners have now joined the Recycle Rewards charity campaigns, and plan on using the scheme as a way to fund their core activities.”
Recycle Rewards is a Tasmanian Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. Our team at TasRecycle, a not-for-profit, helps run administrative aspects of the scheme, while TOMRA Cleanaway Tasmania has been appointed as the Network Operator, responsible for the refund point network and payments to the public. For more information go to: www.recyclerewards.com.au