The Tasmanian CDS, Recycle Rewards, is commencing 1 May 2025. To help the transition for small Tasmanian beverage producers, the Tasmanian Government is funding grants that are now available.
The Small Producer Assistance Grants aim to provide eligible small Tasmanian beverage producers with assistance for general administrative costs associated with container approvals, obtaining barcodes, and container label updating and printing.
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).
To apply read the guidelines and complete an online SmartyGrants application.
Applications for these grants close on 30 June 2025 at 11:55pm, or when available funds are expended.
If you need help please contact RecycleRewards.Enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au.
Scheme Coordinator and Network Operator
TasRecycle Limited have been announced as Scheme Coordinator and TOMRA Cleanaway as the Network Operator.
Once Recycle Rewards starts, people will receive a 10 cent refund for any eligible drink container returned to a designated refund point in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Government’s model for the scheme is a split responsibility involving a Scheme Coordinator to administer it, and a Network Operator to operate the network.
TasRecycle is a not-for-profit entity that was formed by Lion Pty Ltd, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Asahi Beverages to bid to become the Scheme Coordinator. The partners have extensive experience in managing container refund schemes across Australia, with one or more of the companies involved in every Australian jurisdiction with a container refund scheme.
Background
Container refund schemes incentivise the return of eligible drink containers in exchange for a refund. The collected containers must then be recycled to ensure materials have future use. These schemes are an example of ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ (often referred to as ‘polluter pays’) and are proven to both reduce public littering and improve recycling outcomes.
Tasmania’s container refund scheme is Recycle Rewards, and its two objectives – to reduce litter and increase recycling – will support the development of our circular economy.
Drink containers make up 45 per cent of Tasmania’s litter by volume. It is estimated that Recycle Rewards will reduce this by up to half, as well as double recycling rates of eligible drink containers.