When it comes to recycling, Tasmania lags behind most mainland jurisdictions with the Apple Isle currently recovering only 56 per cent of the waste generated.
This is well behind the national average of 66 per cent and states such as South Australia which boasts a waste recovery rate of 82 per cent.
“This presents a risk to public health and the environment and negatively impacts on the clean and green public image of our state,” says Dion Lester – chief executive of the Local Government Association of Tasmania.
While the community has generally embraced the recycling message, current measures are not enough to stem the amount of waste generated.
“As our population grows and the economy expands, we will continue to be presented with new challenges in waste management,” says Lester. “Waste is a fact of life, and the evidence indicates that our waste generation is only continuing to increase. But it is time to recognise that just putting rubbish in the bin will no longer work for the environment, the economy or the community.”
Which is why Tasmania’s 29 councils back the introduction of the Recycle Rewards container refund scheme.
Currently, beverage containers account for about 45 per cent of Tasmania’s litter by volume. By offering a 10 cent refund for each eligible container returned, the Recycle Rewards scheme aims to reduce this figure by up to 50 per cent.
Similar recovery schemes have been found to significantly decrease litter in public spaces, waterways, and natural habitats. But it’s not just the environment that benefits from such initiatives. “Resource recovery generates significantly more jobs and economic activity than landfilling waste. For every 10,000 tonnes of waste, recycling creates 9.2 jobs compared to only 2.8 for landfilling,” says Lester.
In Tasmania, the introduction of Recycle Rewards is expected to create more than 50 new direct jobs through the establishment and operation of refund points, with additional indirect employment opportunities in the recycling, logistics, and community engagement sectors.
Furthermore, the scheme provides a new revenue stream for charities, community groups, and sports clubs, which can collect containers or register as donation partners to receive funds from returned waste.
As the final Australian jurisdiction to implement a container recovery scheme, Tasmania is poised to reap many benefits, says Lester. “The Recycle Rewards scheme represents a significant step forward in Tasmania’s commitment to environmental sustainability, economic development, and community engagement.”
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