| Law Summary |
Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021 [1] |
| Date Implemented | Passed March 10 2022, began implementation May 2025 |
| Containers Covered |
Beverages that are ≥150mL and ≤3L of the following materials: [2]
|
| Containers Not Covered |
|
| Amount of Deposit |
10¢ AUD |
| Reclamation System |
|
| Handling Fee | TBD |
| Other Fees |
TBD |
| Program Success | TBD |
Details
In 2018, the Government of Tasmania commissioned a model framework study for a container deposit scheme, outlining the foundations for such a scheme to take place and the effects it would have on beverage container litter. [3] In June 2019, the government announced they will be implementing a container deposit scheme, "as part of its commitment to protect Tasmania’s unique natural environment, provide opportunities to community groups and local businesses, and to help maintain the Tasmanian brand." [4] The chosen scheme operation is a "split responsibility model", where a designated Scheme Coordinator oversees finances and administration while a separate Network Operator administers the return points for containers. Contracts for both the Scheme Coordinator role and the Network Operator role will be rewarded through a public tender process. [5]
Image: Governance of the Tasmania Container Refund Scheme. Source: "Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021 Explanatory Paper."
Consistent with other parts of Australia like ACT and South Australia, the refund amount is 10¢ AUD. In those states, refunds may be returned in the following ways: [6]
- Cash
- Electronic transfer to debit card, credit card, or PayPal
- Retailer vouchers
- Donations to a charity of choice.
Public consultation on the scheme occurred during June and July 2021. Comments on the Scheme were summarized here. The bill for the CRS was first introduced and read in the Tasmanian Parliament's House of Assembly on October 26, 2021 and the legislation passed on March 29, 2022. The Scheme was expected to be implemented in 2022, but has been delayed to due to infrastructure concerns. The public was able to submit feedback on the draft Container Refund Scheme Regulations from May 2, 2023 to June 14, 2023. Tasmania's new deposit system will be known as Recycle Rewards.
In September 2024, it was announced that TOMRA has been appointed to provide the RVMs for the program. [7]
Footnotes
[1] "Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021 (54 of 2021)." Parliament of Tasmania. Last updated October 26, 2021.
[2] "What can be returned." Recycle Rewards, Tasmanian Government.
[3] "A Model Framework for a Container Refund Scheme in Tasmania (Final Report)." Marsden Jacob Associates. April 2018.
[4] "Container Refund Scheme For Tasmania." Archer, Elise. Tasmania Department of Premier and Cabinet. June 6, 2019.
[5] "Container Refund Scheme Chosen." Jaensch, Roger. Minister for Environment and Parks. February 4, 2020.
[6] "Refund types." Recycle Rewards, Tasmanian Government.
[7] "TOMRA appointed sole reverse vending solutions provider for upcoming deposit return scheme in Tasmania, Australia." TOMRA, September 25, 2024.
Last updated on October 1, 2025.