TOMRA Cleanaway has been appointed as Network Operator for Tasmania’s Container Refund Scheme (CRS), “Recycle Rewards”.
This is the third jurisdiction where TOMRA Cleanaway will manage network operations for container refund schemes in Australia.
“We bring network operator experience from the NSW and Victorian schemes to the table, leveraging TOMRA’s world leading technology and supported by Cleanaway’s extensive logistical knowledge of collection and state-of-the-art recycling assets,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway.
Tasmania is the final piece of the container refund scheme puzzle in Australia, with all states and territories now legislating extended producer responsibility for single use drink containers.
Commenting on the planned mobilisation of the Recycle Rewards scheme, Dorney acknowledged there is hard work ahead to deploy a network of refund points, and accompanying logistics and material handling facilities.
“From mid-2025, the Tasmanian people will have a world class scheme, with easy and convenient access to returning eligible drink containers in exchange for a 10c refund for each drink container returned. We are building our Team to deliver an exceptional outcome for the people of Tasmania.”
Tasmania’s population is currently just over 550,000 people, all of whom will be called upon to recycle their eligible drink containers through one of the 49 refund points across the state.
TOMRA Cleanaway has seen incredible results with the schemes in NSW and Victoria, where refunds are being used to supplement income, help pay for holidays and events, or teach children about savings.
Many individuals and groups are generously donating their refunds or containers to charities and groups to help them do the important work that they do in their local communities.
One of the exceptional features of TOMRA Cleanaway’s network will be the conveniently located Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) that use world leading TOMRA technology to scan and verify each container as it enters the Tasmanian Scheme.
“These self-service drink container return points have proved very popular in other states and are sure to be an outstanding feature of Recycle Rewards in Tasmania,” said Dorney.
TOMRA Cleanaway works with key stakeholders to identify locations that will make it easy for residents to cash in their eligible single use drink cans and bottles, with a range of deposit refund options for consumers. Customers can choose to receive their refund as a voucher to redeem for cash, digital transfer direct to their bank account, or to donate to registered charities or community groups.
One of the primary goals of TOMRA Cleanaway is to educate Tasmanians on the important social, economic and environmental benefits of the container refund scheme.
Environmental benefits are one of the underpinning elements of all container refund schemes, with TOMRA Cleanaway committed to recycling of all materials collected through their network of refund points. That means much of the collected plastics, aluminium and glass will be destined for high value, food grade quality recycling.
“We aim to continue to deliver a positive legacy in the areas in which we operate, and drive value through recycling,” Dorney said.
TOMRA Cleanaway’s experience in container deposit scheme network delivery has demonstrated the importance of partnerships. This approach has proven successful in embedding enduring recycling behaviours in the community.
“Through collaborations and partnerships, we will deliver a network of refund points where charities, community groups, and businesses can host sites and fundraise through the scheme, “said Dorney.
Refund point operators provide the community with access to the Tasmanian container refund scheme and will be sure to play a key role in the scheme’s success.
Not for profits, charities, community groups, businesses, or commercial operators interested in a partnership with the network operator are encouraged to contact TOMRA Cleanaway at enquiries@tomracleanaway.com.au.
“We have an open approach to engaging with the community at TOMRA Cleanaway. We look forward to working with the Tasmanian government and scheme coordinator TasRecycle, as Recycle Rewards partners to deliver a container refund scheme that I’m certain will be a huge success in Tasmania,” said Dorney.