Container recycling in Tasmania gets $5-million boost

Container recycling in Tasmania gets $5-million boost 

Tasmania’s circular economy has received a major boost today with the opening of a new $5-million Container Sorting Facility in St Leonards, providing critical infrastructure to support the state’s container refund scheme, Recycle Rewards.

The multi-million-dollar investment has been made by Cleanaway, Australia’s largest resource recovery provider supported by joint venture partner TOMRA Cleanaway, which runs the scheme’s statewide collection points.

TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said the new facility would deliver on island sorting and processing capabilities to keep pace with the rapid growth in community participation in the scheme to help ensure every container returned was processed efficiently.

“Tasmanians across the state have enthusiastically embraced Recycle Rewards, returning more than 100 million containers in just 11 months since May last year,” Mr Dorney said.

“This new facility is where millions of returned containers will be sorted, processed and prepared for a second life by turning the state’s container waste into valuable resources.”

“This demonstrates the value that practical action can have in helping to create a cleaner, greener environment today as well as a stronger circular economy for generations to come.”

Cleanaway CEO and Managing Director Mark Schubert said Cleanaway’s $5-million investment into the facility was a testament to Cleanaway’s commitment to improving Tasmania’s on-island resource recovery capabilities and creating a circular economy.

“This facility will play a vital role in enabling Tasmania’s circular economy through working with our partners to ensure valuable resources are recovered and returned to the value chain,” Mr Schubert said.

The facility’s official opening was attended by the Tasmanian Minister for Environment, the Hon. Madeleine Ogilvie MP, along with key industry stakeholders, underscoring the importance of the milestone for the state’s sustainability journey.

“This facility is a significant addition to the already successful container refund scheme,” Minister Ogilvie said. “By investing in this new facility, it will enable millions of returned containers to be processed and sorted, helping to make a difference in our state’s circular economy.

“I commend Cleanaway and its partners for helping Tasmanians turn everyday actions into lasting environmental benefits.”

For more information about Recycle Rewards, visit recyclerewards.com.au or download the free app to search eligible containers, nearby return points and donation partners. 

ENDS

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