The Tasmanian Government has announced its preferred model for a Container Refund Scheme as part of its commitment to having the lowest litter rate in the country by 2023.
The Scheme will see a refund of 10 cents for all eligible drink containers returned to a designated Refund Point in Tasmania. The Scheme will significantly reduce litter and increase recycling rates, thereby driving Tasmania’s circular economy.
The chosen model is a split responsibility Container Refund Scheme, which is already operating in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory and being developed in Victoria. It 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.
The legislation is 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 introduction of a Container Refund Scheme is a key action in Tasmania’s draft Waste Action Plan. The Tasmanian Government is committed to having the scheme commence operation in 2022.
The National Retail Association is a member of the Tasmanian Container Refund Scheme Expert Reference Group and will keep industry abreast of any new developments as they arise.