As Tasmanians gear up for the launch of Recycle Rewards on 1 May 2025, producers are encouraged to apply for grants to assist them in the transition.
Recycle Rewards will help reduce litter and create clean streams of recycled materials, helping build Tasmania and Australia’s circular economy.
The Small Producer Assistance Grants aim to provide eligible small Tasmanian beverage producers with assistance for costs associated with container approvals, obtaining barcodes, and container label updating and printing.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) Acting Waste and Resource Recovery CEO Holly Mackey said Recycle Rewards would provide a range of benefits for all Tasmanians.
“This scheme will significantly reduce litter and increase recycling rates in Tasmania,” she said.
“Drink containers make up to 45 per cent of Tasmania’s litter by volume.
“The scheme aims to reduce this by up to half, create new economic opportunities, generate new jobs and turn drink containers into new recycled products.
“While there are many great benefits to the scheme, we understand and recognise the impacts on small producers.
“That is why we have developed the Small Producer Assistance Grants, and we encourage all eligible applicants to apply for this support.”
Applications for the grants close on 30 June 2025.
“Once Recycle Rewards starts on 1 May, people will receive a 10-cent refund for any eligible drink container returned to a designated refund point in Tasmania,” Ms Mackey said.
The scheme is administered by the Scheme Coordinator, TasRecycle, and the refund points are established and operated by the Network Operator, TOMRA Cleanaway.
More information, including the grant guidelines and how to apply, is available on the NRE Tas Recycle Rewards webpage.