Recycle Rewards FAQs

Recycle Rewards is a Tasmanian Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. It will offer a 10 cent refund to consumers for returning eligible drink containers at refund points across Tasmania.

The scheme aims to reduce Tasmania’s litter of drink containers by up to half, create new economic opportunities, generate new jobs and turn drink containers into new recycled products.

When does Recycle Rewards launch?

Recycle Rewards is set to launch 1 May 2025.

Why is the commencement date for Recycle Rewards taking so long wh​en it was originally meant to start in 2022?

The procurement for the Scheme Coordinator and Network Operator was complex and was conducted in accordance with Tasmanian Government procurement and probity requirements to ensure the best possible outcomes for the scheme and Tasmanian community.

Contracts for the Scheme Coordinator and Network Operator have been signed, and the mobilisation period is well underway as we gear up for the 1 May 2025 start date.

During mobilisation, TasRecycle will be establishing the systems that will support the scheme and TOMRA Cleanaway will be securing sites and deploying refund point assets.

How does Recycle Rewards work?

From 1 May 2025, Tasmanians are encouraged to collect eligible drink containers and take them to one of the refund points around Tasmania to receive a 10 cent refund per container. This refund may be received in the form of a voucher to be spent instore or exchanged for cash at a participating retailer, an e-voucher or electronic refund, cash (at depots), or donated to a Donation Partner.

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Can I start collecting containers now?

​​We encourage the public not to 'stockpile' containers, and to continue to recycle as normal in their kerbside recycling bin or public recycling bins. This is to ensure that the scheme runs smoothly when it begins, and that every container collected and returned for a refund is eligible upon the commencement date.

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Who is responsible for operating Recycle Rewards?

Recycle Rewards will be run by a Scheme Coordinator and a Network Operator, as a split responsibility model, which was the chosen model by the Tasmanian Government.

TasRecycle has been appointed as Scheme Coordinator and will:

• Manage the financial and administrative aspects of the scheme
• Conduct audits of the scheme to prevent fraud
• Pay refund amounts and collection network costs to the Network Operator
• Report against performance targets set by the government.
  
• Manage marketing and communications for Recycle Rewards, driving awareness and education across Tasmania.
  

TOMRA Cleanaway has been appointed as Network Operator and they will:

• Establish and maintain a network of refund points
  
• Distribute refund amounts to consumers
• Distribute payments to refund point operators.​​

What role does NRE Tas have in Recycle Rewards?

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s role is regulatory and will provide general oversight of the scheme, which includes contract management and policy setting for the scheme.

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Who will benefit from Recycle Rewards?

All Tasmanians will benefit from Recycle Rewards as it will increase recycling and decrease litter, create new jobs and economic opportunities for Tasmania. 

There will also be opportunities for charities, community and sports groups to get involved with fundraising by collecting containers, registering to receive donations of refunds from others, initiating a collection drive or setting up a donation point for the public to donate their drink containers.

Why should I ret​​urn my containers?

Participating in Recycle Rewards is the rewarding way to recycle your drink containers. It is a great way to help keep our environment and waterways litter-free, whilst receiving a 10 cent refund for every eligible container you return to a refund point. Once returned, your drink containers become a valuable material for recycling.

What do my recycled drink containers become?

The collected containers will be sorted into clean material streams and sold to recyclers in Australia and sometimes overseas where local options are not viable. Containers returned in Tasmania will be made into new products including new drink containers. 

The process reduces waste sent to landfill and minimises litter and decreases demand for new raw materials.

​How is Recycle Rewards funded?

Recycle Rewards is a product stewardship scheme, which means beverage companies pay for the 10 cent refund and operating costs, supporting the Tasmanian Government to ensure Recycle Rewards is convenient and accessible.

Beverage suppliers play a part in helping to improve recycling rates and reduce the number of containers that wind up in landfill.

​TasRecycle is responsible for managing the marketing, the financial operations, and ensuring the scheme’s smooth operation on a not-for-profit basis. 

Will I have to pay more for drinks which are eligible under Recycle Rewards?

The costs of Recycle Rewards are paid by beverage suppliers. Suppliers decide what proportion of costs are passed on to consumers. Independent reviews in other states have found no evidence of drink price increases exceeding scheme costs during the first year of implementation of container refund schemes. 

How many jobs will be created in Tasmania for Recycle Rewards?

Recycle Rewards is expected to create over 50 jobs by TasRecycle and TOMRA Cleanaway, with additional indirect jobs also emerging across related sectors.

The recycling industry contributes billions of dollars to the Australian economy. In other states, container refund schemes have generated hundreds of sustainable jobs.

What public consultation/stakeholder engagement has occurred prior to the implementation of Recycle Rewards? 

In early 2022, the Container Refund Scheme Act 2022 was passed to reduce litter and boost recycling. Draft Regulations to support the Act were released for public comment in 2023, which received thirty-five submissions with most supportive of the scheme.

In 2021, a five-week public consultation occurred for the draft Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021. Over 3,500 people participated through formal submissions or an online survey with 98% supporting the scheme.

What is the direct impact to local Tasmanian small beverage companies due to Recycle Rewards? 

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has been working with small beverage companies to reduce impacts of Recycle Rewards. Under ‘producer responsibility’ the beverage industry pays for the scheme, including refunds. In Tasmania, beverage companies will not pay for their first 20,000 beverage sales each year. This cost-free threshold aims to help small business companies continue to thrive.

Tasmania has more than 90 small beverage companies operating across the state, however with the cost-free threshold 40 of the state’s small beverage companies will not have to pay into the scheme.

How will Tasmania's beverage industry be supported?

Tasmania's small beverage industry has a key role to play in the success of Recycle Rewards. We know that sustainability, Tasmania's clean brand, and a reputation for premium produce are important to our beverage industry's future. 

The Tasmanian Government has been working with small beverage companies to reduce the regulatory impact of the scheme, while ensuring they are part of Recycle Rewards and part of our drive to reduce litter and increase recycling.

Tasmania has more than 90 small beverage companies operating across the state, and their contribution to the economy, tourism and employment is highly valued.

The Tasmanian Government has been working with the industry to ensure it can continue to thrive by implementing the following;

1. ​​​Under 'producer responsibility' the beverage industry pays for the scheme, including refunds. However, in Tasmania beverage companies will not pay for their first 20,000 beverage sales each year. This 'cost-free threshold' aims to help small beverage companies grow and thrive. It means 40 of our small beverage companies will not have to pay into the scheme. It means less administrative work and fewer invoices. Customers will still receive a refund for these drink containers.
   

2. ​Only drinks sold in containers are included. Kegs and refillable bottles ('growlers') are exempt.
   

3. There will be a transition period of 18 months from 1 May 2025 ffor beverage producers to update their drink container labelling if needed. (Containers are required to carry a barcode and a refund message).
   

4. A grants program is now available to provide small Tasmanian beverage producers with assistance for costs associated with container approvals, obtaining barcodes, and container label updating and printing.
   

5. Invoicing will be in arrears, which is what the beverage industry asked for. It will NOT be based on sales forecasts.
   

6. Small Tasmanian beverage companies will have the option of being invoiced monthly or annually, whichever suits them. ​

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Small Producer Assistance Grants

What is the grant amount?

​The grant scheme is operated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) using funds provided by the Tasmanian State Government. The total amount of funds available for allocation under this grant scheme is $80,000. 

​The maximum total grant amount that a business can receive is $1,000 (excluding GST).

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You can apply for this grant if you meet all of the following criteria: 

Please refer to the NRE Tas website to complete an online SmartyGrants application.​

The grant process has two stages.

Stage 1: You submit the application form, and if you meet the eligibility criteria your grant is pre-approved. You may do this before OR after completing any of the activities you are applying for.  

​Stage 2: You submit the acquittal form, including evidence of activities and expenditure, and following a successful assessment the approved grant funding is paid into your nominated bank account.

When does the grant close? 

​Applications for grants close on 30 June 2025 at 11:55pm, or when available funds are expended. 

When will I find out if I was successful?

Applicants will be notified of the outcome within 30 business days after submitting a completed application.

​Refund Points

What is a refund point?

A refund point is a collection place where you can return your eligible drink containers and receive a 10 cent refund for each drink container.​

There are a number of different types of refund points including Reverse Vending Machines, Depots and some seasonal Over the Counter sites to support the refund network as needed.

How many refund points are there across Tasmania and where will they be located?

There will be a phased roll-out of a network of 49 refund points established across the state, including on King and Flinders Islands. 

This will provide approximately 85% of Tasmanians access to a refund point within 10km of their home.

Integral to the design of the scheme is the aim to provide all Tasmanians with opportunities to participate in the scheme and get a refund for their drink containers. Previous market research found that the public wants refund points to be located near their regular retailers, to easily incorporate into their already established routines. This research has informed where refund points will be located.

Community Access Standards have been developed by NRE Tas to establish the minimum requirements for the fair and equitable distribution of the network of refund points across Tasmania. These requirements were designed to specifically respond to the dispersed and regional nature of the Tasmanian population. They ensure that the scheme remains commercially viable, particularly during the early years of introduction.​

The Standards include the provision for ‘pop up’ refund points for popular holiday/tourism areas in peak season, and for charity and community organisations to set up donation points for the collection of drink containers as part of fundraising activities.

The Network Operator’s selection of the locations for refund points is multifaceted, and the proposed locations balance the anticipated quantity of recycled drink containers that are expected to be generated and the capacity of the Network Operator to service each location.

Once the scheme is up and running, the Network Operator will monitor the performance of the network and find opportunities to deploy additional refund points across the State.

The exact location of each refund point is being finalised and this information will be available closer to scheme commencement. Once these are finalised, you will be able to search for your closest refund point at RecycleRewards.com.au​ or via the Recycle Rewards app.

Who selects the location of the Recycle Rewards refund points? How can I request a refund point near me?

TOMRA Cleanaway (the Network Operator) is responsible for the placement of refund points and is working in collaboration with local communities, businesses and other organisations to choose the best placement of sites. Refund points are situated with consumer convenience and accessibility in mind.

​The network will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure it maintains a high level of accessibility. 

How do I find my closest refund point?

The exact location of each refund point is being finalised, and this information will be made available closer to scheme commencement. Once these are finalised, you will be able to search for your closest refund point at RecycleRewards.com.au​ or via the Recycle Rewards app.

What are the different types of refund points?

• ​​Reverse Vending Machine (RVMs) are conveniently located self-service refund points. You will be able to find these near supermarkets and in public spaces across Tasmania onc​e Recycle Rewards launches. The machines can accept up to 60 drink containers a minute. The majority of refund points in Tasmania will be RVMs.
  

• Depots will be staffed centres that are able to sort and count bulk loads of containers. You can walk through or drive through to get your containers counted, and get your immediate cash or electronic refund.
  

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​What is an RVM?

An RVM is a 'reverse vending machine' that is a conveniently located self-service refund point. RVMs do not hold cash. You place an empty, eligible drink container into the RVM, the drink container is scanned to verify it is eligible and then you either:

• Receive a paper or e-voucher which can be spent instore or be exchanged for cash at a participating retailer 

• Receive a  deposit into your bank account of PayPal, or
  

• Donate your refund to a registered charity, school, sports club or community group.
  

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Will the refund points have disability access?

The Network Operator must ensure that each refund point, including each reverse vending machine, the area in which it is located, and the digital content provided at refund points is accessible to persons with a disability.

Each refund point will be compliant with:

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992

• Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tas)

• Disability (Access to premises -buildings) standards 2010 (premises standards)
  

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) Level AA

Drink Container Eligibility

​What drink containers are included in Recycle Rewards?

Most 150ml to 3L drink containers will be eligible for a 10 cent refund, as long as they’re in good condition (uncrushed, empty and with the barcode intact). This includes;

• ​​Aluminimum cans
• Plastic bottles
• Glass bottles
• Cartons (under 1L)
• Steel bottles/cans
  

What drink containers are NOT included in Recycle Rewards?

These items aren’t accepted but can still go into household recycling. They’re often used at home.

• Plain milk containers
• Flavoured milk containers (1L and over)
  
• Glass wine bottles
• Glass spirit bottles
• Cordial bottles
  
• Juice containers (1L and over)
• Plastic containers (under 150ml)

​Household food containers (e.g. tuna cans) are not eligible for refunds.​

Can I crush cans and bottles?

No, please do not crush your drink containers. Drink containers must be identifiable as an eligible drink container to receive a refund. It is recommended that drink containers returned for a refund meet the following requirements:

• The drink container is not damaged to the extent that it is unsuitable for recycling
• The barcode can be scanned, and
  
• The label can be read.
  

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Should I take the lids off my drink containers?

No, please leave lids on your drink containers. We collect drink containers with lids attached in order to minimise the risk that any of those lids become litter.

The selected eligible containers for Recycle Rewards are those that are most commonly found as litter in the state’s streets, beaches, waterways and parks.

Tasmanians can continue to recycle other non-eligible drink containers such as wine, cordial, milk and spirit bottles in their kerbside recycling bin.

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Why do YAKULT containers have a 10c refund mark if they are not eligible?

Yakult containers have a 10c refund mark as some schemes in other states do accept these containers. To make things easier for manufacturers the same refund mark is used across Australia.

Will Recycle Rewards include glass wine and spirits bottles?

Glass wine and spirits bottles are not eligible drink containers under Recycle Rewards and cannot be returned for a refund.

When deciding what types of drink containers are included in the scheme, we have matched with other states as closely as possible.

There is the possibility for scope expansion in the future to include more types of drink containers. Australian jurisdictions are currently working on a harmonised process for scope expansion.

​Can I choose to keep using kerbside recycling?

Yes, eligible drink containers can continue to be placed in kerbside recycling, as well as non-eligible drink containers.

Kerbside recycling will continue to play a key role, particularly for drink containers that are not eligible for refunds in Recycle Rewards.

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​Fundraising with Recycle Rewards

What opportunities are there for charities, schools, sports clubs and community groups to participate?

Recycle Rewards provides Tasmanian charities, community groups, environmental groups, sporting clubs and educational organisations new ways to raise funds.

• Eligible groups and organisations can register as a Donation Partner and receive refunds from the community.
• Groups and organisations can host a drink container collection drive or set up a donation point for the public to drop off eligible drink containers.
  

What is a Donation Partner?

A Donation Partner is a not-for-profit organisation that has been registered and approved to receive donated refunds.​

Types of organisations that are listed as Donation Partners include charities, schools, sporting clubs, community and special interest clubs and groups. Political causes or organisations are not permitted to become Donation Partners.

​Refunds can be donated to Donation Partners by any person returning an eligible drink container who chooses to do so. 

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​​​How do I regist​er as a Donation Partner?

Further information relating to eligibility and the registration process can be found at RecycleRewards.com.au and you can apply to register as a Donation Partner through the registration portal which is open now.​

How much can our organisation raise per drink container?

For every eligible drink container that your organisation returns to a refund point you will earn 10 cents.