Since officially launching on 1 May, Recycle Rewards refund points across the state have seen a steady surge in participation as households, schools, businesses and local community groups make drink container recycling a new Tasmanian habit.

Key insights from the first six months of Australia’s fastest growing container refund scheme include:

  • 50 million eligible drink containers returned through Recycle Rewards refund points statewide. That’s nearly 100 drink containers for every Tasmanian!  
  • More than 580 community donation partners have joined the program, including scores of schools and sports clubs, community organisations, animal welfare charities, environmental groups, and health and wellbeing initiatives.
  • More than 1 million containers donated directly to charities and grassroots organisations. That’s more than $100,000!
  • 66 new direct jobs created including more than a dozen with the social enterprises who operate Recycle Rewards depots, providing training and meaningful employment opportunities for at-risk Tasmanians and people living with disability.

TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said these achievements show how Tasmanians have taken the scheme to heart. “From day one, we’ve seen Tasmanians really embrace Recycle Rewards as more than just a recycling program – it’s a movement that turns everyday actions into positive change.”

Like Dusty from Launceston, who collects containers to raise funds for the Eventide animal sanctuary; Kerrie from Telita, who used her refunds to pay for a hire car on a recent trip; and William from Lachlan, who collects containers on long walks to keep healthy – and his local roadsides clear of litter.

“Families are also saving their containers to help kids open bank accounts, community groups are raising funds for local projects, and thousands of people are choosing to donate their refunds to charity. It’s inspiring to see the difference being made, one container at a time,” Ken Roughley says.

Tasmania’s leading canine welfare charity – Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania – is the most popular Recycle Rewards Donations Partner. Since Recycle Rewards began on 1 May, more than 700 individual donations have been made to the organisation. Together they have raised more than $3400 by returning more than 34,000 eligible drink containers. This is a great result for dogs, the Dogs’ Home and the environment too.

With the busy summer season ahead, Recycle Rewards is encouraging Tasmanians to keep the momentum going – and to make every bottle, can and carton count.

“Whether you cash in or donate, every container returned is a win for Tasmania and Tasmanians,” Ken Roughley says.