Landcare Tasmania has set a challenge for the community to double its impact for the environment, reducing litter and supporting conservation at the same time, by helping Landcare collect 100,000 drink containers by 31 August.

As the Major Donation Partner of Recycle Rewards for the first three months of the scheme, Landcare Tasmania is aiming to raise $10,000 through the scheme and is calling on the community to get on board to help them ‘care for Tassie’.

Landcare Tasmania CEO Peter Stronach said the partnership came at the perfect time, as more communities looked for practical ways to care for their local environment.

“Tasmanians have long embraced conservation, with community-led efforts protecting and restoring our landscapes,” Mr Stronach said.

“The container refund scheme is a fantastic addition to our fundraising activities, making it easier than ever to reduce litter while supporting on-the-ground, grassroots conservation.

“Each bottle and can the community donates will support our Landcare community in caring for our land, water and wildlife.”

“We are proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission to protect waterways, rehabilitate degraded land, and enhance biodiversity across our beloved Lutruwita/Tasmania.

“These generous donations will support a range of programs, including our hugely popular Let’s Explore Waste school initiative, as well as restoration projects that return health and vitality to local ecosystems, including platypus habitats.

“We also hope this campaign will draw more people across Tasmania to join the Landcare movement.”

Landcare Tasmania represents more than 320 groups and over 7,000 volunteers statewide.

Mr Stronach said the funds raised would also help support these groups with tools, training, and other vital resources.

“This seemingly small action – choosing to donate your container refund to us – multiplied across thousands of Tasmanians, adds up to make a significant difference to grassroots environmental efforts,” he said.

TOMRA Cleanaway CEO, James Dorney, network operator for Recycle Rewards, said donation partners were central to the scheme’s success.

“Every eligible container donated helps the Landcare Tasmania community care for the state’s land, water and wildlife,” Mr Dorney said.

“Recycle Rewards is about encouraging Tasmanians to do the right thing – keeping litter out of landfill and our environment, while enabling them to support causes they care about.”

TasRecycle’s CEO Ken Roughley said Recycle Rewards was off to a very strong start.

“Recycle Rewards has already seen an overwhelming early response, following the return of more than 2.6 million drink containers since the scheme’s launch.”

Under Recycle Rewards, Tasmanians can choose to receive a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned or donate the proceeds to one of more than 120 registered community groups and charities.

Tasmanian charities and community groups can still sign up to become Donation Partners by visiting www.recyclerewards.com.au/fundraising