“We’re proud to deliver an estimated annual energy saving of 9000 kilowatt-hours, cutting around seven tonnes of CO emissions, which is equivalent to driving 28,688km. The innovative installation, located in Campbell Town, uses solar panels that produce around 6.4 kilowatts of power to run the RVM as well as charging three additional batteries.”

James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Tasmania’s Recycle Rewards has welcomed the state’s first fully off-grid reverse vending machine (RVM) in the heart of the midlands in Campbell Town.

The new machine runs entirely on solar power, making it completely independent of the local electricity grid. The solar panels generate about 6.4 kilowatts to power the RVM and charge three backup batteries. Together, the system delivers an estimated annual saving of 9,000 kilowatt-hours and reduce CO2 emissions by roughly seven tonnes.

The machine’s batteries store around 11 kilowatt-hours of useable energy, meaning the RVM can continue operating even when the sun isn’t shining. The technology includes real-time monitoring and reporting, with active alerts for battery levels, energy generation, consumption and RVM usage.

Campbell Town IGA manager Sunny Bhaskar said local residents really appreciated the installation of the reverse vending machine.

“It’s creating a win-win for both customers and the business,” Mr Bhaskar said. “They are shopping and taking care of the environment at the same time.”

Mr Bhaskar said waste was universal and all businesses should have a Recycle Rewards machine in their car park.

Vanessa Riley and her partner moved from Melbourne after COVID-19 to take over operation of the local pub, the Campbell Town Hotel Motel, which is across the road from the refund point.

“We are absolutely rapt to have the recycling scheme across the road,” Ms Riley said. “As you can imagine, in a pub we go through a lot of cans and bottles. We have bags and bags to be recycled, so that’s awesome for us to be able to do that.”