Millions of bottles, endless possibilities – how aluminium is steering Southern Tasmania’s recycling success

Southern Tasmania is placing greater emphasis on recycling. The region already known for aluminium recycling and green movements has unlocked another significant achievement in Goodwood with the opening of its first bulk recycling depot.

Inaugurated on Wednesday, July 2, the recycling depot provides locals with a convenient drive-through location to exchange drink containers like aluminium, plastic, glass, etc., for 10-cent refunds while supporting employment for people with disability.

“This collaboration with SEED is a terrific example of the extended community benefit potential of Tasmania’s container refund scheme. [The depot] provides employment, training and fundraising opportunities for people with disability, all while creating clean streams of recycling and helping keep our beautiful state in a beautiful state.”

Aluminium cans account for 63 per cent of all returns, with plastic making up 21 per cent and glass 14 per cent. TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney commended Tasmanians for their enthusiastic participation, calling the community’s response “nothing short of exceptional.” NEXUS CEO Mark Jessop highlighted that the new Goodwood depot has already created valuable job and training opportunities while strengthening ties with local businesses and community groups.

Operated by Social Enterprise, Employment and Diversity (SEED), the new Recycle Rewards depot on Hornby Road in Goodwood accepts large volumes of eligible containers. It offers refunds via cash, bank transfer, or charity donation. The initiative is a partnership between TOMRA Cleanaway and SEED, using the depot to create valuable job and training opportunities for Tasmanians living with disability.

Since the Recycle Rewards scheme launched on May 1, more than 12 million containers have been returned, with southern Tasmania contributing over six million of those. Claremont Plaza remains the busiest collection point, followed closely by Cove Hill in Bridgewater.

Image Source: PULSETASMANIA