Trash to cash: Recycling to become a new fundraiser for sporting clubs

Recycle Rewards, the state's new container refund scheme, is set to launch on May 1.

Under the scheme, eligible containers can be returned at nominated collection points in exchange for a 10-cent refund.

First announced in 2019, Recycle Rewards was initially slated to launch in 2022 but experienced major delays.

Tasmania is the last state in Australia to introduce a container refund scheme.

TasRecycle's Chairman Ben Kearney said Tasmanians could nominate to keep the refund for themselves or donate it to a charity partner.

Drink containers are among the most commonly littered items in Tasmania, representing about 45 per cent of the state's litter by volume, according to figures from the Australian Beverages Council.

Woolworths has said customers should expect a price increase of 22 cents per container from May 1 to accommodate the scheme.

South Burnie hockey player Molly Davey said she hoped the scheme would protect the environment and keep recycling out of landfill.

The 16-year-old added that she hoped it would also benefit her hockey centre, where players are preparing to fundraise through the collection of eligible containers.

"Collecting containers is a great way to raise funds for McKenna Park Regional Hockey Complex so that more kids from the North-West have the chance to get involved in hockey," she said.

On May 1, 40 refund points across the state will open, including in Devonport, Wivenhoe, and Zeehan.

Over the next month, nine additional locations will be added to the network.

Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby said she was excited for the roll-out.

"It's a win for our planet and a win for our people, providing a practical way for locals to earn a little while doing a lot for the environment," she said.

"Whether you're a local sports club, school, or just an individual wanting to do your bit, Recycle Rewards makes it simple to turn litter into something worthwhile."