Cleanaway has opened a $5 million container sorting facility in St Leonards which will provide critical infrastructure to support Tasmania’s ‘Recycle Rewards’ container refund scheme.
The multi-million-dollar investment is supported by joint venture partner, TOMRA Cleanaway, which runs the scheme’s statewide collection points.
The new facility will deliver on island sorting and processing capabilities to keep pace with the rapid growth in community participation in the scheme to help ensure every container returned is processed efficiently.
“Tasmanians across the state have enthusiastically embraced Recycle Rewards, returning more than 100 million containers in just 11 months since May last year,” said TOMRA Cleanaway CEO, James Dorney.
“This new facility is where millions of returned containers will be sorted, processed and prepared for a second life by turning the state’s container waste into valuable resources.”
“This demonstrates the value that practical action can have in helping to create a cleaner, greener environment today as well as a stronger circular economy for generations to come.”
Cleanaway CEO and Managing Director, Mark Schubert, said the company’s $5 million investment into the facility is a testament to its commitment to improving Tasmania’s on-island resource recovery capabilities and creating a circular economy.
“This facility will play a vital role in enabling Tasmania’s circular economy through working with our partners to ensure valuable resources are recovered and returned to the value chain,” he said.
The facility’s official opening was attended by Tasmanian Minister for Environment, Madeleine Ogilvie, along with key industry stakeholders – underscoring the importance of the milestone for the state’s sustainability journey.
“This facility is a significant addition to the already successful container refund scheme,” said Ogilvie.
“By investing in this new facility, it will enable millions of returned containers to be processed and sorted, helping to make a difference in our state’s circular economy.
“I commend Cleanaway and its partners for helping Tasmanians turn everyday actions into lasting environmental benefits.”
In other news, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has announced the appointment of a new Chair and two new Board members.
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