Tasmanians continue to embrace the state’s container refund scheme, surging past 30 million containers returned since Recycle Rewards launched just four months ago on 1 May.
The number of containers returned continues to grow following the scheme’s bumper opening weekend when Tasmanians returned one million containers in the first four days.
“Good on you, Tassie!” said TasRecycle CEO Roughley. “Thirty million containers returned is an incredible result in four months – making it the fastest growing container refund scheme in the country. It’s inspiring to see the next generation embrace Recycle Rewards and drive recycling for a cleaner future.
Richmond Primary School students recently gathered to make a giant “30” to celebrate the milestone. As the next generation of recyclers, children are driving many of the container return efforts across the state by using Recycle Rewards to raise money for themselves and the causes they believe in, such as animal welfare, the environment and – for Richmond Primary School students – a new playground.
Devonport in the state’s northwest is currently Tasmania’s number one refund point, followed by Claremont and Cove Hill in the south and Mowbray and Meadow Mews in the north. Across the regions, approximately 14 million containers have been returned in southern Tasmania, 9 million containers in the north and 7 million in the northwest.
Aluminium continues to be the top material returned, accounting for 62% of returns. Plastics made up 21%, glass 15% and other materials such as steel and liquid paperboard cartoons account for about 2%.
6-year-old Richmond Primary School Student William Pastoor is just one of many kids benefiting from the scheme.
“We collect cans and bottles for my school so we can raise money to help build a new playground. Sometimes get the money and buy icecreams, which I love,” William said.
“Recycling is really important for the environment. I hope this leads to less rubbish in the forests and oceans.”
Every eligible drink container returned receives a 10c refund, which Tasmanians can keep for themselves or donate to one of the more than 470 community groups.
TOMRA Cleanaway general manager Corey Wingard said that he was proud to work for the network operator of Tasmania’s container refund scheme. “With more than 40 convenient and accessible refund points across the state, we have made it easier to help keep recyclables out of landfill and litter out of the environment.”
For more information on the container refund scheme, visit the Recycle Rewards website: www.RecycleRewards.com.au.