Recycle Rewards is a new initiative being introduced in Tasmania which will commence mid-2025.
Recycle Rewards is a Tasmanian Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. It will offer a 10 cent refund to consumers for depositing 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 mid-2025.
Why is the commencement date for Recycle Rewards taking so long when it was originally meant to start in 2022?
The procurement for the Scheme Coordinator and Network Operator has been 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. There is a minimum mobilisation period required prior to commencement which means the scheme is intended to commence in mid-2025.
During this period, TasRecycle will be establishing the systems that will support the scheme and TOMRA Cleanaway Tasmania will be securing sites and deploying refund point assets.
How does Recycle Rewards work?
Once the scheme commences, Tasmanians are encouraged to collect eligible drink containers and take them to one of the 49 refund points to earn a 10 cent refund per container. This refund can be received in the form of a retail voucher, an electronic refund, or donated to a Donation Partner.
Can I start collecting containers now?
No, containers cannot be collected for refunds until Recycle Rewards commences, which is expected in mid-2025.
Until the scheme starts, Tasmanians should continue to recycle drink containers in their kerbside recycling bin and avoid stockpiling containers ahead of the scheme commencing.
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.
TOMRA Cleanaway Tasmania 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 providing general oversight of the scheme, which includes contract management and policy setting of the scheme.
Why should I return 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 earning a 10 cent refund for every eligible container you deposit. 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 Tasmanian 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.
Who will benefit from a Container Refund Scheme?
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 and applying to operate a refund point.
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 for all Tasmanians.
Beverage suppliers play a part in helping to improve recycling rates and reduce the number of containers that wind up in landfill.
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 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 small beverage sector has a key role to play in the scheme. The Government has been working with the industry to ensure it can continue to thrive.
- Under 'producer responsibility' the beverage industry pays for the scheme, including refunds. But 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. And customers will still receive a refund for these containers.
- Only drinks sold in containers are included. Kegs and refillable bottles ('growlers') are exempt.
- Drink containers must be approved for sale under the Tasmanian scheme, but all containers already approved under the VIC scheme will be automatically approved here. That means less paperwork. And there will be no fee for registering containers in Tasmania.
- There will be an ample transition period for labelling rules (containers are required to carry a barcode and a refund message). These will be consistent with other states.
- A grants program will be available in early 2025 to help small Tasmanian beverage producers with the cost of obtaining barcodes and updating labelling.
- Invoicing will be in arrears, which is what the beverage industry asked for. It will not be based on sales forecasts.
- Small Tasmanian beverage companies will have the option of being invoiced monthly or annually, whichever suits them.
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.
In the first year of the Queensland and New South Wales schemes, independent reviews found that price increases were less than 10 cents per drink container. Consumers in Tasmania will be able to return eligible containers to a refund point and receive a 10 cent refund for every container.
I've heard the cost of a slab of beer will go up by $10, is this true?
No. Independent Reviews of the first year of the Queensland and New South Wales schemes found that price increases were less than 10 cents per drink container, so less than $2.40 for a slab.
The Marsden Jacob report on a Tasmanian Container Refund Scheme found containers would likely increase by just under 10 cents in the first year of the scheme, rising to 11 cents per container after six years. That is an increase of $2.64 for a slab and the consumer gets $2.40 back for returning their containers. There are six schemes operating in Australia, and none of them have had a slab of beer increased by $10.
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 Tasmania, 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 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.
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.
Refund Points
What is a refund point?
A refund point is a collection place where you can return your eligible containers and receive a 10 cent refund for each container.
There are a number of different types of refund points including Reverse Vending Machines, Depots and Over the Counter sites.
How many refund points are there across Tasmania and where will they be located?
Integral to the design of the scheme was the desire for all Tasmanians to be able to participate in the scheme and get a refund for their containers, regardless of where they live.
Community access standards has been developed for Recycle Rewards, setting out a minimum number of refund points together with other requirements to ensure comprehensive coverage right around Tasmania.
The Network Operator will establish and maintain a state-wide network of 49 refund points, making the scheme accessible to all Tasmanians.
The exact location of each refund point is being finalised and this information will be made available closer to scheme commencement.
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 once Recycle Rewards launches.
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 refund.
Over The Counter (OTC) refund points will be located at shops in your community. Once you hand over your containers, the staff will count them for you and provide a refund.
How do I apply to operate a refund point?
Interested community groups, not-for-profit organisations or businesses that would like to apply to operate a refund point can register interest via email at RecycleRewards.Enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Will the refund points have disability access?
The Network Operator must ensure that each refund point, including each Container Refund 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); and
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) Level AA.
Container Eligibility
What containers will be included for refund in Recycle Rewards?
All eligible containers will have a 10c label, which will mean providing that is in good condition (uncrushed, empty and with the label and barcode intact) it can be returned to a dedicated refund point in Tasmania.
The majority of 150ml to 3L drink containers will be eligible for a 10 cent refund provided they are made from glass, plastic, aluminium, steel or liquid paperboard.
What drink containers are NOT eligible for a refund?
Plain milk bottles or cartons, flavoured milk containers of 1L or more, glass wine bottles, glass spirit bottles, concentrated cordial bottles, and juice containers of 1L or more, are not eligible for a refund.
Household food containers (e.g. tuna cans) are not eligible for refunds.
Can I crush cans and bottles?
Containers must be identifiable as an eligible container to receive a refund. It is recommended that containers returned for a refund meet the following requirements:
- The container is not damaged to the extent that it is unsuitable for recycling
- The barcode can be scanned, and
- The label can be read.
Why are some drink containers eligible and not all of them?
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 containers such as wine, cordial, milk and spirit bottles in their kerbside recycling bin.
Can I choose to keep using kerbside recycling?
Yes, eligible containers can continue to be placed in kerbside recycling, as well as non-eligible containers.
Kerbside recycling will continue to play a key role, particularly for containers that are not eligible for refunds in Recycle Rewards.
Reverse Vending Machines
What is a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)?
An RVM is a conveniently located self-service refund point. RVMs do not hold cash. You place an empty, eligible drink container into the RVM, the container is scanned to verify it is eligible and then you either:
- Receive a retail voucher which can be spent instore or be exchanged for cash at a participating retailer
- Receive an e-voucher or an electronic refund, or
- Donate your refund to a registered charity, school, sports club or community group.
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.
- Charities, community groups and sports clubs can apply to the Network Operator to set up and run refund points.
- Not-for-profit groups can apply to become a Donation Partner and receive refund donations from the community.
- Groups and organisations can host a container collection drive for the public to drop off eligible containers.
This will encourage more community participation and education around recycling while ensuring households, local clubs and groups can share in the cash benefits of recycling their used cans, bottles and cartons.
What is a Donation Partner?
A Donation Partner is a not-for-profit organisation such as a charity, school, sports club or community organisation that has been ruled eligible to be listed as a Donation Partner and who has set up a payment account with the Network Operator.
Refunds can be donated to Donation Partners by any person returning an eligible container who chooses to do so.
When will I be able to register?
The Donation Partner registration system will be available from 1 Feb 2025 to enable organisations to register as a Donation Partner ahead of the scheme commencement in mid-2025.
How do I register as a Donation Partner for Recycle Rewards?
You will need to apply to be registered as a Donation Partner through the Network Operator’s website. The Network Operator will then determine whether your organisation is eligible (under the relevant regulations) to become a Donation Partner. If your organisation is eligible, you will be provided with a Donation Partner ID.
Once your organisation has been added to the Donation Partner Registry and provided with a Donation Partner ID, you will need to set up a payment account to start receiving payments.
