Northwest Tasmanians now have a new way to turn their drink containers into positive community impact with the official opening of the Recycle Rewards Spreyton depot on Monday 17th November. The new refund point is operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies).

This initiative is part of Tasmania’s popular container refund scheme, Recycle Rewards, which just last week surpassed 50 million containers since the scheme began on 1 May 2025. That’s almost 100 eligible containers returned for every Tasmanian.

A Simple Act That Creates Real Change

Vinnies State President Corey McGrath said the new depot, managed in partnership with Recycle Rewards network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, provides an easy and convenient way for people to help their fellow Tasmanians.

“Every eligible container returned gets a 10 cent refund, which can be retained by customers for their own use or donated to Vinnies,” Mr McGrath said.

“When donated to Vinnies, this adds up to real change – providing food, clothing and emergency assistance to Tasmanians doing it tough.

“That’s things like stocking our pantries and food vans, providing financial relief to those facing homelessness, keeping our homeless relief shelters open, providing youth programs and keeping all our other services running.

“Our engagement with Tasmania’s container refund scheme also reinforces Vinnies’ dedication to the circular economy, which is central to our operations locally, nationally and globally.”

11 people standing in the entry way to a Recycle Rewards Depot, cutting a ribbon to celebrate an opening event.

A Partnership for Sustainability and Social Impact

TOMRA Cleanaway General Manager for Tasmania Corey Wingard highlighted the shared commitment behind the new depot:

“Every container returned at Spreyton is a step toward a cleaner Tasmania and a stronger community, and TOMRA Cleanaway is incredibly proud to work with Vinnies to make recycling easy and meaningful,” Mr Wingard said.

“Tasmanians have embraced Recycle Rewards since day one, and this new depot at Spreyton will make it even easier for the community to protect the environment and support a great cause.

“A unique advantage offered by the larger depot sites is the capacity to work swiftly through containers in quantities large and small.”

A man in hi-vis clothing emptying a bag of eligible drink containers into a hopper to be counted as a part of Recycle Rewards

Creating Jobs and Opportunities

TasRecycle Chief Commercial and Operations Officer David Paynter added:

“This new depot – our fourth in Tasmania – creates jobs and training opportunities, especially for those doing it tough. Together – as a community – we’re proving that doing good for the environment can also do good for people.”

Where to Find the New Depot

The new depot is located at Vinnies Spreyton, 8 Wigmore Road, and is open:

• Monday to Friday: 9.15am – 4.45pm

• Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Vinnies also operates a reverse vending machine at its Op Shop in Wynyard.

Mr McGrath said the depot’s automatic sorting machine will make it easier for sporting and community clubs, pubs, hotels and individuals to return large volumes of eligible containers.

“Our wonderful staff and volunteers can also show people what happens when a container is donated, which is a great way to educate yourself, your children or grandchildren,” he said.

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