The Tasmanian Government has today announced its preferred model for a Container Refund Scheme as part of our commitment to having the lowest litter rate in the country by 2023.
The chosen model, a split responsibility Container Refund Scheme, will bring together the beverage industry and the waste and recycling sectors to deliver the best scheme for Tasmania.
The split responsibility model, which is already operating in NSW and ACT and being developed in Victoria, involves a Scheme Coordinator who will run the administration and finance for the scheme, while a separate Network Operator runs the network of Refund Points.
It will see a refund of 10 cents for all eligible drink containers returned to a designated return point in Tasmania.
This has been an important decision which will allow legislation to be drafted for public consultation later this year.
Contracts for the roles of Scheme Coordinator and Network Operator will be awarded through an open tender process after the legislation has been approved by parliament.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to implementing a scheme that will be convenient for the community, good for the environment and maximises the number of containers returned.
It will see people receive a refund for returning eligible drink containers to designated Refund Points around the state, which will significantly reduce litter and increase recycling rates, thereby driving our circular economy.
The introduction of a Container Refund Scheme is a key action in Tasmania’s draft Waste Action Plan. The Government is committed to having the scheme commence operation in 2022.
Further information can be found at:
https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/environmental-management/container-refund-scheme
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