The rollout of refund points for Tasmania’s container refund scheme, Recycle Rewards, today hit a milestone with the opening of a reverse vending machine on Flinders Island.
The installation of the machine at the Whitemark Waste Facility means that residents of Tasmania’s two largest Bass Strait islands can now participate in Recycle Rewards and receive a 10c refund for every eligible drink container they return.
“From Dover to Whitemark, Queenstown to Currie, there is a Recycle Rewards refund point within 10kms of more than 85% of Tasmanians,” said Minister for the Environment Madeleine Ogilvie. “This is good for Tasmanians, good for the environment, and good for our local community groups too.”
Kerbside recycling is not available on Flinders or King Islands, so the arrival of Recycle Rewards refund points marks a significant step towards more sustainable waste management for Bass Strait islanders. It also ensures that Recycle Rewards is accessible to as many Tasmanians as possible, wherever they live.
“It’s terrific to see refund points in remote locations like King and Flinders Islands so that all Tasmanians can actively participate in recycling, wherever they live,” said TasRecycle Ken Roughley. “Working together we can reduce litter, increase recycling and keep our beautiful state in a beautiful state.”
Flinders Council Mayor Rachel Summers added, “It’s so great to have a Recycle Rewards Refund Point on Flinders Island. Previously we have only been able to recycle aluminium cans. Now we can recycle eligible plastics, glass, carton and steel too – ensuring they don’t end up in a hole in the ground. It’s also a great opportunity for our community groups to raise important funds.”
Tasmanians have continued to embrace the state’s container refund scheme, with more than five million containers being returned since Recycle Rewards launched on 1 May.
The state’s top refund points are spread right across the state. Devonport in the northwest is the state’s busiest site, followed by Bridgewater, Claremont and Kingston in the south, and Mowbray and Kings Meadows in the north. Aluminium continues to be the top material returned, accounting for approximately 65% of returns. Plastics made up about 22%, and glass 13%.
It has never been easier to help keep recyclables out of landfill and litter out of the environment. Tasmanians are encouraged to continue to recycle their eligible drink containers at any one of more than 40 convenient and accessible refund points across the state.
Every eligible drink container returned receives a 10c refund, which you can keep for yourself or donate to a local charity or community group.
Visit recyclerewards.com.au for more information about Recycle Rewards, including container eligibility, refund point locations, signing up as a Donation Partner and how to make the most out of your fundraising effort.