Tasmania’s first reverse vending machine for recycling drink containers was installed this week, marking a major milestone ahead of the start of the Recycle Rewards scheme on 1 May.
The first Recycle Rewards Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is located at the Cove Hill Precinct in Bridgewater and is the first of more than 40 refund points that will be rolled out statewide in coming months.
The RVMs will be the main point where Tasmanians can deposit eligible drink containers and receive 10c in return.
Minister for the Environment Madeleine Ogilvie said today marked an important milestone.
“In less than two months, Tasmanians will be able to participate in the new Container Refund Scheme, Recycle Rewards, and that’s good news for locals and good news for our environment,” Minister Ogilvie said.
“The first RVM being installed is a major milestone in the ongoing development of Australia’s circular economy. We will be the first continent in the world to have a Container Refund Scheme across every state and territory.
“Every one of these RVMs will be able to process a container every second, that’s an impressive and important step in reducing litter and boosting recycling.”
TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said the RVMs would give Tasmanians an opportunity to help the environment one drink container at a time.
“The Recycle Rewards scheme will allow Tasmanians for the first time to return eligible containers from 150ml to 3L and receive a 10c refund,” Mr Roughley said.
“You’ll be able to choose to keep the refund for yourself or to donate it to a charity partner. Importantly, you will also be making a big change with your small change.
“The fact is that across Tasmania around 45 per cent of all litter volume is made up of drink containers. The Recycle Rewards scheme aims to cut that in half, which means fewer bottles in landfill or floating in our waterways, so that’s great for our environment.”
TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the first Recycle Rewards RVM installation was a major milestone.
“We’re proud to have installed Tasmania’s first RVM where the community will soon be able to recycle and receive 10c refund for each eligible drink container,” Mr Dorney said.
“Cove Hill is the first Recycle Rewards RVM point we have placed in Tasmania, and over the coming months, we’ll be delivering a network of 40 refund points including reverse vending machines and depots that will enable Tasmanians to return their eligible drink containers from 1 May.”
In late April, a full list of Recycle Rewards refund points will be available at recyclerewards.com.au
Recycle Rewards is a Tasmanian Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. TasRecycle, a not-for-profit, helps run administrative aspects of the scheme, while TOMRA Cleanaway is the Network Operator, responsible for the refund point network and payments to the public. For more information go to: www.recyclerewards.com.au