The Tasmanian container refund scheme Recycle Rewards celebrated a record-breaking month in January, with recyclers ringing in the new year by returning 13.5 million eligible drink containers. This is more than double the returns seen during the scheme’s first month, where 6.3 million containers were returned in May 2025.

Just nine months on, Recycle Rewards is booming – with 85 million containers returned across the state – 41 million in the south, 25 million in the north, and 19 million in the northwest.

TOMRA Cleanaway General Manager – Tasmania, Corey Wingard, said the “depots were inundated” with returns throughout January, and congratulated Tasmanians on “embracing the network” of almost 50 refund points across the state.

“We did a lot of modelling and a lot of research and as a network operator – we operate in New South Wales and in Victoria as well – we’re able to learn from that experience over there and then put it across Tasmania and fit it into the nuances of this great state.” he said.

“Tasmanian have really picked this up faster than anywhere else in the country.”

During the 5 months RSPCA Tasmania was featured on Recycle Rewards’ reverse vending machines and app, Tasmanians stepped up in a big way – donating refunds from more than 150,000 drink containers and helping raise over $15,643 for the much-loved animal welfare charity.

To date, Tasmanians have donated $232,000 to more than 620 charities and community groups registered as Donation Partners with the scheme

RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrea Dawkins said the donations arrived at a critical time of year.

“We are absolutely amazed and delighted by the incredible generosity of our supporters,” she said.

“To see $15,643 raised through Recycle Rewards is truly inspiring and shows the power of small everyday actions coming together to make a real difference for animals in need.”