The "massive success" of a new Western Australian container recycling scheme shows how well a similar proposal could work in Tasmania, proponents say.
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"This is exactly the type of successful model we want to roll out in Tasmania, but, of course, specifically tailored for Tasmania," TasRecycle spokesperson Jeff Maguire said.
TasRecycle is a not-for-profit entity established by beverage giants Coca-Cola Amatil and Lion.
It is keen to run the scheme expected to be introduced by the Tasmanian government.
The companies have been involved with the start of four schemes on the mainland in the past six years.
The Tasmanian deal is likely to be contested, with the TOMRA Cleanaway joint venture, which is the independent network operator of the New South Wales scheme, also taking an interest.
It argues it is the financial interests of Coca-Cola Amatil and Lion to keep recycling rates low as costs would rise as container returns increased.
Mr Maguire said modelled economic benefits of a community scheme in Tasmania similar to the WA model included:
- Potential gains of up to $7 million per year for small and medium-sized businesses;
- an estimated 150 jobs; and
- up to $6 million per year for community organisations including sports clubs and charities.
He said that compared to $1 million a year for businesses, $4 million per year for community organisations and 90 jobs under an alternative, dual-governance model.
"We believe our track record, as demonstrated in Queensland, South Australia and now Western Australia, shows that a not-for-profit model where more of the benefit of operating a container recycling scheme goes to community groups and small and medium businesses is the best model for Tasmania," he said.
TasRecycle said that in the first two weeks of the WA scheme:
- 10 million containers were returned;
- more than 1000 community groups signed up to fundraise;
- 680 jobs were created; and
- about 40 per cent of the network was operated by non-profit and Aboriginal organisations.
Western Australia has nearly five times Tasmania's population, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.