When Recycle Rewards began on 1 May 2025, the Derwent Sailing Squadron immediately saw the opportunity keep containers out of landfill and litter out of the environment.

Administration and Marina Manager Abbalena Whalan explains that the squadron first began by collecting eligible containers from their clubhouse bar and restaurant, quickly raising $500 in refunds from 5000 containers collected.

Abbalana says that businesses and groups should consider what’s involved in managing high-volume container collection and return before getting started. “Initially, we tried returning containers ourselves via the reverse vending machines but quickly found it very time-consuming. Loading and unloading heavy bins, depositing each container, and cleaning the bins was a lot of work for our small volunteer team.”

The team found a solution when the Recycle Rewards Goodwood depot, which can process 100 containers per minute, opened in June. “The staff there were fantastic,” Abbalana says, “they helped unload the ute, making the process much easier.”

It was there that they learnt about SEED’s Recycle Rewards container collection service. SEED delivers the bins; collects, cleans and replaces them when they’re full; processes the containers and administers your refund to your nominated account.

“SEED [charges] 5c per container, [which leaves] 5c for the Squadron. When we calculated the time and effort it would have taken for our staff or volunteers to load the ute, drive to the depot, deposit the containers and clean up, we discovered it worked out about the same and was more efficient. It’s been a great solution.”

The clincher was SEED’s mission to support training and employment for people with disabilities. “This aligned perfectly with our Squadron values and our ongoing support for SailAbility Tasmania, so we signed up straight away,” said Abbalana.

Since signing up, the squadron has had two successful collections and is looking to expand into container donation points for members. They’re backing in their initiative by modifying their existing recycling cages to ensure only eligible containers are collected. New signage is also being installed to encourage members and visiting sailors to participate.