Recycle Rewards is trialling container baskets and racks in selected Tasmanian councils to reduce the number of eligible drink containers that end up in landfill or as litter in our environment.
Container baskets and racks are purpose-built for use in public spaces so anyone can leave eligible drink containers for others to collect and return to a refund point for a 10 cent refund.
These baskets and racks are now in place in the following locations:
- City of Launceston at Civic Square, Brisbane St Mall, Quadrant Mall, City Park, Riverbend Park and Punchbowl Park
- City of Clarence at Kangaroo Bay
- Meander Valley Council at Deloraine and Prospect,
- King Island Council at Currie
- City of Hobart along the Hobart rivulet track
Additional racks and baskets are expected to be installed by Derwent Valley Council in New Norfolk and Waratah-Wynyard Council along the Wynyard foreshore in the coming month.
Recycle Rewards Scheme Coordinator TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said the trial was about making recycling easier where people are most likely to drink on the go. “We want to capture every used drink container to prevent recyclables from ending up in landfill or as litter in our environment,” Roughley said.
“The container basket trial gives people a quick, visible and convenient way to do the right thing when they’re out and about. Even if you don’t want the 10 cents, now you can leave it for someone who does.”
Instead of becoming litter or potentially ending up in landfill, eligible drink containers left in the baskets or racks can be collected by anyone and taken to a Recycle Rewards refund point for 10 cents each. The initiative also supports the circular economy by helping turn old drink containers into new products.
The baskets are clearly marked for eligible drink containers only, including cans, bottles and cartons. Look for the 10 cent mark near the barcode to check if your container is eligible.
General rubbish should still go in the main bin and other recyclables in the recycling bin.
The trial will run for four months, with Recycle Rewards and council staff monitoring use, contamination levels and recovery rates to assess the program.
More information about the container baskets and racks can be found on Recycle Rewards’ For Councils page, including how to get in touch if you’d like to see container baskets and racks in your municipality.