The rollout of refund points for Tasmania’s container refund scheme, Recycle Rewards, continues with a new Reverse Vending Machine opening at Railway IGA at 19 Alexandra Street in Ulverstone.
The new refund point is a welcome addition the state’s northwest. The Devonport refund point has to date been the state’s busiest, with locals returning more than 650,000 eligible containers since Recycle Rewards launched on 1 May. That’s almost 10 per cent of all eligible container returns.
“The volume of eligible container returns in the northwest is a standout achievement,” says TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley. “It shows how incentives can increase recycling rates. These new clean streams of recycling also help build Australia’s circular economy, which will reduce our reliance on virgin raw materials and fossil fuels and help keep our beautiful state in a beautiful state.”
Central Coast Mayor Cheryl Fuller was on hand to officially launch the reverse vending machine with the Ulverstone cubs, who are seeking donations for a new esky for camping trips and fundraisers. Mayor Fuller noted, “Our community punches well above its weight when it comes to responsible waste management, and it’s exciting to see a new opportunity for easy and convenient recycling that benefits the environment, supports community groups, and creates opportunities for job seekers.”
The new site in Ulverstone increases Tasmanians’ access to Recycle Rewards refund points, making recycling easier for everyone. With more than 40 convenient and accessible refund point across the state, including on King and Flinders Islands, more than 85% of Tasmanians can access a refund point within 10km of their home. Every eligible drink container returned receives a 10c refund, which you can keep for yourself or donate to a local charity or community group.
According to Minister for the Environment Madeleine Ogilvie, “Recycle Rewards is transforming how Tasmanians recycle, making it easier for every one of us to do the right thing. The 10 cent refund helps keep recyclables out of landfill and litter out of our precious environment. This is good for Tasmanians, good for the environment, and good for our local community groups too.”
Other refund points in the northwest can be found in Sheffield, Spreyton, Devonport, Wivenhoe, Somerset, Wynyard, Smithton, Zeehan and Queenstown.
Tasmanians have embraced the new container refund scheme, returning more than seven million eligible containers since Recycle Rewards launched on 1 May. Aluminium continues to be the top material returned, accounting for approximately 65% of returns. Plastics made up about 20%, glass 13% and liquid paperboard carton about 2%.
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.