Latest news with #RecycleRewards
ABC News
01-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Tasmania's long-awaited container refund scheme has started
Nearly 50 years after South Australia's container deposit scheme became operational, Tasmania is finally on par with the rest of the country when it comes to recycling single-use drink containers. Tasmania's Recycle Rewards scheme, which opened statewide on Thursday, will refund 10 cents per eligible bottle or can dropped off at a recycling collection point; with the refund redeemable in cash, a digital payment, or as a donation to a registered charity, school or community organisation. By midday of the first day an estimated 85,000 containers had been refunded. About 110 donation partners have registered to receive reward donations. ( ABC News: Madeleine Rojahn ) Tasmanians use more than 270 million single-use drink containers every year, according to TasRecycle the company tasked with the running of the container refund scheme. They are also one of the most commonly littered items in the state, a 2018 study found. Ken Roughley, chief executive of TasRecycle says the program is expected to have multiple social and environmental benefits. "We're expecting a massive reduction in litter," Mr Roughley says. "Currently 45 per cent of litter in Tasmania is beverage containers and we expect to reduce that by half. "We expect recycling to increase by 50 per cent, and we expect a massive reduction in landfill as well, so there's a lot more to it than a 10-cent refund." He also says it will create new economic opportunities and generate new jobs. Tasmania is the last of Australia's states and territories to implement a container refund scheme. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke ) What types of containers are refundable? Most drink containers ranging in size from 150ml to 3 litres, including: Aluminium cans Plastic bottles Glass bottles Cartons (less than 1L) Steel bottles and cans Beverage containers made from liquid paperboard, such as milk and juice boxes. What's not: Crushed cans. They need to be whole as the barcode on the container needs to be legible. And, if possible containers should be clean and empty with the lid attached. The Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) will also spit back out: Glass wine or spirit bottles Milk containers — plain or flavoured Juice containers bigger than 1L Cordial bottles Plastic bottles smaller than 150ml Household food containers. The close-loop recycling scheme will be an important component of Hobart City Council's "zero waste to landfill" strategy. ( ABC News ) Where can I drop off my bottles and cans? There is a network of 49 container refund points across the state, including on King Island and Flinders Island. Forty of those refund points will go live from May 1 when the scheme officially begins, with the remaining nine to come online in a staged roll out. Not all refund points will be self-service RVMs; there will also be four or five depots that are staffed centres able to sort and count bulk loads of containers, where you can drive or walk through and receive an immediate refund; and some over-the-counter sites at existing shops in the community where staff will count the containers and provide a refund. Mr Roughley says the Tasmania-specific scheme has been designed to have a very high participation rate, "with 85 per cent or greater availability". The scheme also expects 85 per cent of people will be able to get to a facility within a 10-minute drive. There will be 49 container deposit refund locations operating around the state once the scheme is fully operational. ( Supplied: TomraCleanaway ) How will I get payment? Multiple ways, but unless you drop off your containers at a depot it won't be in cash. If using one of the scheme's many RVMs, you'll have an option to choose your payment type once your approved container is scanned. Options include a digital payment, or an e-voucher that can be cashed or exchanged for instore credit at participating stores. Your voucher will have a list of the closest stores to the RVM. See the For digital payments, you'll need to download the app onto your smartphone and provide your preferred banking details. You can also opt to donate your refund to a registered charity, school, sports club or community group. Those who prefer cash payments should take their containers to one of the 4–5 depots. As well as registering as a donation partner, charities, and community and sports groups can also apply to operate a refund point. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke ) Should I download the app? The Recycle Rewards app is a free download from the Apple app store or Google play and is a great way to access the scheme's benefits. The app will help you find the nearest collection point. It also has an eligibility checker, so you can scan a container's barcode from home before lugging it to an RVM. From the app, you can also link your bank account, Paypal account, or choose a donation partner. Downloading and registering for the Recycle Rewards app is straightforward. ( Supplied ) What about the cans I've been stockpiling? Mr Roughley recommends Tasmanians don't flood the fledgling system by showing up with trailer loads of stockpiled cans and bottles. Photo shows Smiling man in a dark shirt and cap with a 'Return and Earn' logo behind him A NSW man has gone to great lengths to cash in on recycling, returning almost half a million cans over seven years to save for his first home. He says any container bought and stored before May 1 should be put in your usual yellow bin council recycling for collection. The reason, he says, is economic, as the beverage companies funding the refund scheme haven't as yet begun financially contributing. "The scheme hasn't been paid for yet, as such by the beverage companies. There's been no contributions made so any stockpiling wouldn't be to the benefit of the scheme," Mr Roughley says. And while there is no limit to the number of containers you can return, under the Act and Regulations, a statutory declaration may be required if you are returning more than 1,500 eligible drink containers at a single time. Tell me more about the scheme Beverage companies themselves fund the scheme and will be up for an extra 21.43 cents (including GST) for each aluminium can they supply into the state, and a similar rate for other eligible containers. So, will the cost of beer go up to compensate? Mr Roughley says initially, maybe. "Pricing is totally up to the beverage company themselves," he says. " TasRecyclers, a not-for-profit, are not responsible for setting the prices. What I can say is that in other states we haven't seen the prices go up beyond the cost of the scheme in the first year. " Beverage manufacturers needing assistance to update labels or change systems to accommodate the scheme may be able to access grant funding. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke ) But some beverage suppliers have claimed they will have no choice but to pass the cost of operating the scheme onto customers, with supermarket giant Photo shows Woman holding plastic bottle near donation site A long-awaited Tasmanian container deposit scheme which promotes recycling will leave beverage retailers "no choice" but to pass on the cost to consumers, an industry representative says. The hefty increase, which some retailers have said is more than the cost to operate the scheme itself, can be put down to Tasmania's "unique" location, Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said last week. "Namely, a smaller container volume and population size, the transport of containers across Bass Strait and our lack of access to the economies of scale enjoyed by mainland states," she said. On Thursday, Ms Ogilvie praised Tasmanians for embracing the recycling scheme on its first day. "It's a brilliant day for the environment and it's a fantastic day for Tasmania," she said. "People in Tasmania, we care about our environment and we want things to be made better. This recycling program has been a long time in the making and we've got it right. We've seen today, already 85,000 eligible containers returned. It's remarkable." For more details, visit the
News.com.au
24-04-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Sign that drinks are set to cost more in Tasmania
A sign spotted in a supermarket is the first sign that beverage prices are about to rise in one Australian state. Woolworths stores in Tasmania alerted customers that from May 1, beverage prices in the supermarket will be 22 cents dearer. This is because the state will join the rest of the country and introduce its Recycle Rewards scheme. This is where eligible products can be taken to a recycling station, and Tasmanians can get 10 cents back for each item. 'The scheme will result in the price of certain products increasing by 22 cents per container,' the sign explained. 'This price increase for each eligible container consists of a refundable fee (10 cents), scheme admin fee (10 cents) and GST (2 cents).' The Recycle Rewards scheme is run by TasRecycle, a non-profit established by Coca-Cola, Lion and Asahi. In order to run the scheme, it has passed operating costs onto businesses. For instance, it will charge 21.43 cents per aluminium can sold in the state and 22.19 cents for every glass bottle. There is a container-free threshold, where the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has ruled that businesses won't have to pay scheme costs for their first 20,000 containers each year. 'We've been working through the implementation of the Tasmanian Government's Container Deposit Scheme with our supply partners,' a Woolworths spokesperson told 'As in all other states of Australia, where there are retail price changes resulting from the costs associated with a container deposit scheme, we have communicated these changes to customers in-store. 'We're supportive of the Container Deposit Scheme based on successful implementation in other states and the positive environmental, litter reduction and recycling outcomes. 'The Container Deposit Scheme in Tasmania will commence on May 1.' However, Woolworths won't be the only ones raising their prices as a result of the recycling scheme being implemented, with the TasRecycle website stating: '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.' Andrew Quarry from Australian Liquor Marketers in Tasmania told the ABC that businesses will have 'no choice' but to pass this cost on to consumers. 'That cost increase is so significant that at no point could we expect anyone to absorb that cost,' Mr Quarry said. Fleur Brown, the chief industry affairs officer at the Australian Retailers Association agreed, telling 'The structure of the scheme leaves businesses with little choice but to pass the cost on. While this is not ideal, businesses have high running costs to operate and many have narrow margins.' 'This adds strain to household budgets and may influence purchasing decisions, with retailers likely to face consumer backlash for price increases despite the costs being driven by government policy.' She said while businesses are keen to support the initative, it does place new pressures on businesses. Ms Brown also said that there are gaps in these programs, such as limited coverage of materials, inconsistency across states, lack of local recycling capacity, contamination and public awareness. A Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania spokesperson told that Recycle Rewards was designed by the state government to provide benefits, as well and increase recycling, decrease litter, create jobs and economic opportunities. 'Recycle Rewards is a product stewardship scheme, so the costs of the scheme 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,' the spokesperson said. The NRE Tas spokesperson said the government has been working with small beverage companies to reduce the impact of the scheme but ensure these businesses get to be part of it. 'Under 'producer responsibility' the beverage industry pays for the scheme, including refunds,' the spokesperson said. 'Because the Tasmanian Government recognises the importance of small businesses in the beverage industry, for the first time nationally a Cost-Free Threshold has been introduced. As a result, this means effectively that most beverage companies will not pay scheme costs in relation to their first 20,000 eligible drink containers supplied each year. 'This cost-free threshold aims to help small businesses continue to thrive as those who annually supply less than 20,000 drink containers will not pay a contribution. Grants have also been established to help Tasmanian small beverage producers fund transition costs associated with the commencement of Recycle Rewards (e.g. updating labels, barcodes).' The cost of the scheme includes refunds for customers, plus the operating costs. Operating costs include administration, financial management and promotion of the scheme. 'There are fixed costs associated with setting up and operating schemes like Recycle Rewards all over Australia. These are necessary to ensure that our scheme is accessible, convenient, financially sound, protected from potential fraud and delivering the unique value the scheme will bring for all Tasmanians,' the spokesperson said.
ABC News
23-04-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Recycle Rewards, Tasmanian container deposit scheme, to result in higher prices
A long-awaited Tasmanian container deposit scheme that promotes recycling will leave beverage retailers "no choice" but to pass on the cost to consumers, an industry representative says. Recycle Rewards begins on May 1 and will enable Tasmanians to redeem 10 cents per bottle or can brought to a recycling collection point, which residents can redeem in cash, or nominate to a charity or sporting club. According to the scheme operator TasRecycle, beverage companies will be charged an extra 21.43 cents (including GST) for each aluminium can they supply into the state, and a similar rate for other eligible containers. Material type Cost per container supplied (ex GST) Cost per container supplied (inc GST) Aluminium 19.48 cents 21.43 cents Glass 20.17 cents 22.19 cents HDPE 19.62 cents 21.58 cents PET 19.78 cents 21.76 cents Liquid paper board 20.88 cents 22.96 cents Steel 19.53 cents 21.48 cents Other plastics 19.53 cents 21.48 cents Other materials 19.53 cents 21.48 cents Weighted average cost 19.80 cents 21.78 cents Source: Supermarket giant Woolworths announced that as of May 1, an extra 22 cents will be added to the cost of every drink product affected by the scheme in Tasmania. 'Significant impact' for drink companies A poster at Woolworths explaining price increases on products that will come in with the state's recycling scheme. ( ABC News: Scout Wallen ) Andrew Quarry from Australian Liquor Marketers in Tasmania, said the scheme will be the biggest challenge the local liquor industry has faced in 25 years. "Breweries are now budgeting on a 10-per-cent decline in beer carton sales, so it is going to have a significant impact," he said. TasRecycle chair Ben Kearney said the cost to suppliers covered the operating costs, and was put in place to ensure the scheme was accessible to all Tasmanians. "The operating costs include TasRecycle managing the viability of the scheme and reduction of fraud, and TOMRA Cleanaway managing operations of the scheme, including logistics and processing across the state," Mr Kearney said. "Over 45 per cent of all litter volume in Tasmania is made up of drink containers and all Tasmanians can help reduce waste and increase recycling rates by participating in Recycle Rewards." He said beverage suppliers pay the cost of the program. " Independent reviews in other states have found no evidence of unjustified increases in the drink price during the first year of implementation of container refund schemes. " Comsumers and retailers will have to bear the extra costs placed on products covered by the recycling scheme. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke ) How will it work? Mr Quarry said drink companies will be charged up to 21.43 cents extra, including GST, to supply their products into Tasmania — with that cost then passed onto the retailers. Photo shows A row of beer cans on a conveyor belt It has a name, a logo, and even a nifty YouTube video explaining how it works. "For example, with 24 packs [of beer] it's about an extra $5 to $5.20. In a 30-pack of beer, it's about $6 to $6.40." He said the retailers with will have "no choice" but to pass that extra cost onto their customers. "That cost increase is so significant that at no point could we expect anyone to absorb that cost." Mr Quarry said it is going to be confusing for shoppers, because if they purchase a 30-can carton which has accrued an extra $6, they will only be able to redeem $3, at 10 cents per item. " The concern we have is that our retailers are going to be exposed to a pretty challenging conversation with consumers. " Independent retailer worried Ankit Bali owns and manages an independent liquor store in Hobart, and wants to protect his customers from the extra costs. "My aim is to not increase our prices any more than we have to, but unfortunately we also have to look at our increasing costs which means wearing the burden," he said. One bottle shop owner says he will probably have no choice but to pass on the extra costs to customers. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke ) For his small business, Mr Bali said he might order 20 cartons a week, which will see the cost increases stack up. "All of a sudden, it's about $120 of additional cost that we kind of have to fork out without trying to increase our prices," he said. " I don't think it's very fair, especially in the economic situation that we're in at the moment. " Tasmania's long-awaited container deposit scheme will come into effect on May 1. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke ) Mr Bali said he would like to know how the government landed on the set price, seeing as customers are only getting 10 cents in return. "So effectively, you're looking to make a 100-per-cent profit on everyone returning a can," he said. "The fact that they're turning this [environmentally] positive scheme into something to generate revenue for themselves makes it really confusing, but then also hurts me." He said there hasn't been adequate information about the scheme and its impact on retailers. " It's a very confusing thing and I would really appreciate more information … on how such a small business like ourselves is going to target this. " The extra cost placed on suppliers to Tasmania will be the highest in the nation. ( ABC News: Cason Ho ) Geographical challenges The cost of the scheme for companies supplying to Tasmania is one of the highest in the country. For example, an aluminium can excluding GST will cost suppliers 19.4 cents in Tasmania, but in Queensland the price is 12.8 cents, NSW is 14 cents, Victoria is 14.5 cents, and WA is 12.3 cents. Minister for the Environment Madeleine Ogilvie said Tasmania's "unique" geography had created challenges and additional costs. "Namely, a smaller container volume and population size, the transport of containers across Bass Strait and our lack of access to the economies of scale enjoyed by mainland states," she said. Cost changes ahead, supermarket giants say In a statement, a Woolworths spokesperson said the retailer had been "working through the implementation" of the scheme "with our supply partners". "As in all other states, where there are retail price changes resulting from the costs associated with a container deposit scheme, we have communicated these changes to customers in-store. "We're supportive of the container deposit scheme based on successful implementation in other states and the positive environmental, litter reduction and recycling outcomes." The container scheme has been years in the making. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke ) A spokesperson from Coles supermarkets said the retailer was "helping to make recycling drink containers more convenient for our customers by rolling out four Reverse Vending Machines at Coles stores" as part of the scheme. "Our customers will be rewarded for returning their used cans, bottles and cartons, with the option to convert the funds into a Coles voucher, redeem for cash, donate to a charity or transfer directly into a nominated bank account. " As a result of this recycling initiative customers may notice an increase on beverages eligible to participate in the scheme. This additional cost covers the 10c container deposit that customers can redeem back, and contributes to the running and administration of the scheme. "
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aussies offered free cash as state finally rolls out latest recycling scheme
South Australia led the way in 1977 as the first state in Australia to introduce a container deposit scheme (CDS), allowing residents to exchange bottles for cash at designated recycling sites. Now, almost 50 years later, Tasmania has become the latest jurisdiction to adopt the initiative, joining all other states and territories in the nationwide push for recycling. On Wednesday, authorities confirmed Tasmania's version of the program, Recycling Rewards, will officially launch on May 1. The long-awaited and highly anticipated scheme — particularly welcomed by environmental advocates — will offer a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned at dozens of designated refund points across the state. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokeswoman for TasRecycle said when the program launches, it'll "be accessible to all Tasmanians." The spokeswoman said there will be a state-wide network of 49 refund points, though those locations are still being confirmed. "The exact location of each refund point is being finalised and further information will be made available closer to the scheme's commencement," she told Yahoo. The program is intended to drastically reduce the amount of plastic containers ending up on the streets and in landfill, and move the state closer toward a circular economy, Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said. "Drink containers make up as much as 45 per cent of Tasmania's litter and through Recycle Rewards, we hope to reduce that by half and double their recycling rate," she told media. Woman's 'amazing' $100 find in skip highlights rise of desperate trend Simple bin idea earns Aussie mum $38 in minutes Photo capturing brazen recycling act sparks warning "Recycle Rewards will launch [in a staged rollout] on May 1. In the meantime, keep recycling as normal using your yellow kerbside bin or using public recycling bins." A Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) told Yahoo that a benchmark measurement will be taken ahead of the start of the scheme to ensure that the effectiveness of the campaign is tracked. Minister Ogilvie urged beverage manufacturers to prepare for the transition and apply for available news grants to assist in the cost of obtaining barcodes and updating labels in line with the program. NRE Tas will offer grants of up to $1,000, with a total funding pool of $80,000. Applications for these grants close on June 30, 2025 at 11.55pm, or when available funds are expended. Wednesday's announcement means Australia is on track to become the first continent in the world to have a CDS in every jurisdiction. South Australia pioneered Australia's first CDS in 1977, followed by the Northern Territory in 2012, NSW in 2017, the ACT and Queensland in 2018, Western Australia in 2020 and Victoria in 2023. The program stands to see Tasmanians earn hundreds if they're willing to put in the time effort. Late last year, Yahoo News spoke to one Brisbane-based woman who said she earned $100 in just half an hour by collecting bottles in her city. Heidi Lou began her can collecting mission last Christmas after watching her parents do the same. They inspired her to jump on board the money-saving hack by utilising the state's "Containers for Change" recycling scheme. Though popular, a prominent lawyer recently warned over the potential legal issues that could arise if Australians collecting bottles do so in an unlawful manner. Avanish Singh said there could be several issues here when it comes to the law. Singh said, if it's in the bin, it's effectively fair game. "If items have been placed in a bin for disposal, then the item will be taken to be 'abandoned' — this means that someone who takes an item from a bin cannot be charged with stealing as the item is no longer capable of being stolen," he told Yahoo News. "The previous owner has effectively relinquished ownership of it. "However, if a person enters onto an enclosed private land — for example through a gate or over a fence — then they are trespassing. There are similar offences in all Australian states and territories." In Victoria, for example, the maximum penalty for such an act is six months' jail time or a fine of up to 25 penalty units. In the country, we collectively consume 3.79 million tonnes of plastic per year. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
