Australia has long been a pioneer in environmental initiatives, and the latest development in recycling is set to solidify that reputation. With Tasmania’s recent announcement, Australia is poised to become the first continent where every jurisdiction has a container deposit scheme (CDS). This remarkable milestone underscores the nation’s commitment to sustainability and offers an opportunity for Australians to earn extra cash while contributing to a cleaner environment.
South Australia blazed the trail back in 1977, introducing the first CDS and setting a precedent for the rest of the country. Fast forward to today, and Tasmania has joined the ranks, launching its own version of the program, aptly named Recycling Rewards, on May 1. This long-anticipated move has been met with enthusiasm from environmental advocates and the general public alike.
Recycling Rewards promises a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned to one of the many designated refund points across the state. A spokeswoman for TasRecycle conveyed that upon launch, the program will be ‘accessible to all Tasmanians’, with a state-wide network of 49 refund points. While the exact locations are still under wraps, further details will be released as the scheme’s commencement date approaches.
The initiative is not just about financial incentives; it’s a concerted effort to tackle the pressing issue of litter and waste management. Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie highlighted the environmental impact, noting that ‘drink containers make up as much as 45 per cent of Tasmania’s litter’. The goal of Recycling Rewards is ambitious yet achievable: to halve this litter and double the recycling rate.
In preparation for the scheme’s rollout, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) will conduct a benchmark measurement to track the campaign’s effectiveness. Minister Ogilvie has also called on beverage manufacturers to gear up for the transition, with grants of up to $1,000 available to assist with the costs of barcoding and updating labels to align with the program. These grants, totalling $80,000, are open for application until June 30, 2025, or until funds are depleted.
The financial benefits for participants are not to be underestimated. Australians could potentially earn ‘hundreds’ by collecting and returning containers. One Brisbane resident, Heidi Lou, shared her success story with Yahoo News, revealing she made $100 in just 30 minutes through her local ‘Containers for Change’ scheme. Inspired by her parents, Heidi embraced this money-saving hack and has since been an avid participant in the recycling effort.
However, it’s important to note that while the CDS is a boon for both the environment and the wallet, there are legal considerations to keep in mind. Prominent lawyer Avanish Singh cautioned that collecting bottles must be done lawfully. Once items are placed in a bin, they are considered ‘abandoned’, and taking them is not theft. However, crossing onto private property to collect containers could constitute trespassing, which carries significant penalties.
As we collectively consume a staggering 3.79 million tonnes of plastic per year, the CDS across Australia serves as a critical step towards reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. It’s a win-win for the environment and for Australians looking to make a positive impact while padding their pockets.
What are your thoughts on Tasmania’s new Recycling Rewards scheme? Will you be taking part? Have you ever made a surprising amount of money from recycling? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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Won’t age pensioners and retirees appear to be demeaned as they are reduced to scavenging for containers to boost their meagre incomes? It’s easy to envisage more of this as interest rates fall again to reduce their incomes while at the same time prices remain high or rise further. On this note, premiums for house and car insurance are a major annual cost and are becoming more unaffordable for retirees placing them into ever increasing precarious financial insecurity.
This is wonderful news. It has been a long time coming.