TasRecycle, a not-for-profit entity consisting of Asahi Beverages, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), and Lion, has been appointed by the Tasmanian Government as the Scheme Coordinator for the state’s upcoming container refund scheme, Recycle Rewards.
TasRecycle, leveraging the expertise of its members who are key players in Australia’s beverage industry, will oversee the scheme, which is expected to launch in mid-2025. This will complete national coverage of container refund schemes in Australia, with similar programs already in place across other states and territories.
In these schemes, consumers pay a refundable ten-cent deposit on eligible containers, encouraging recycling. Recycle Rewards will establish 49 refund points throughout Tasmania, ensuring easy access for everyone.
Ben Kearney, chair of TasRecycle, praised the Tasmanian Government’s efforts, stating, “We look forward to supporting Tasmania’s environmental goals and the thousands of local community organisations, households and businesses who will benefit from the introduction of a successful container refund scheme.”
TasRecycle will manage the marketing, financial operations, and overall administration of the scheme, working closely with the Tasmanian Government and the Network Operator to ensure smooth operation.
Orlando Rodriguez, managing director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia, highlighted the role of container refund schemes in advancing the circular economy, particularly in reducing plastic waste. “Nationally, 60 per cent of post-consumer goods plastic is recycled through container refund schemes, compared to a headline national plastics rate of 18 per cent. Container refund schemes play a critical role in reducing waste going to landfill.”
Amanda Sellers, group CEO at Asahi Beverages, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that Cascade Brewery, a Tasmanian brand under Asahi, will contribute to the scheme’s success. “The scheme will be great for Tasmanians and the environment,” Sellers remarked.
James Brindley, managing director of Lion Australia, added that the initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals. “At Lion, we are committed to our long-term Force For Good strategy, and our involvement in bringing a container refund scheme to Tasmania is further progress against this strategy,” Brindley said.
With the scheme expected to go live in 2025, Tasmanians will soon join other Australians in benefiting from the environmental advantages of container refund programs.
