Your Empties Are Worth More Than You Think
The Recycle Rewards Machine at the Whitemark Tip is Putting Real Money Back into Flinders Island
Every can, bottle, and container you drop off at the Recycle Rewards Machine at the Whitemark Waste Facility isn't just good for the environment - it's good for the community's pocket.
Since the Recycle Rewards machine was installed at the Whitemark tip in May 2025, islanders have collectively returned $22,900 back into the community through the Container Deposit Scheme. That's money that would otherwise have been landfilled, littered, or lost - now back in local hands.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Since launch, the machine has processed:
- 229,055 containers accepted - cans, PET bottles, glass, and more
- 2,787 individual drop-off sessions by local residents
- 179,000 cans - our community's most returned item by far
- 36,404 glass containers kept out of landfill
- 13,020 PET plastic bottles given a second life
- 631 other containers including juice boxes and flavoured milk cartons
That's nearly a quarter of a million containers - and a community that's showing up, doing the right thing, and getting rewarded for it.
How It Works
It couldn't be simpler. Head to the Whitemark Waste Facility, feed your eligible containers into the machine, and collect your refund - 10 cents per container. No sorting required. No mess. Just drop them in and walk away with cash (or donate it to a local cause).
Most drink containers between 150mL and 3L are eligible.
- Aluminium cans
- Plastic bottles
- Glass bottles
- Cartons (under 1L)
- Steel bottles/cans
- Look for the 10¢ mark on your containers!
Why It Matters on an Island
On the mainland, you might have a dozen drop-off points nearby. On Flinders Island, this machine is our drop-off point - and it's working hard. With nearly 2,800 sessions completed and over 229,000 containers processed since May 2025, it's clear our community has embraced it.
Every container returned is one less piece of waste heading to landfill. It's one less piece of litter on our beaches and roadsides. And it's real money - $22,900 and counting - flowing back to islanders who choose to do the right thing.
Make Your Next Trip Count
Next time you're heading to the tip, bring your empties. Whether it's a bag of cans from a family BBQ, a week's worth of sparkling water bottles, or glass from the recycling bin - it all adds up. Remeber to check the label to see if its eligible.
The machine is located at the Whitemark Waste Facility
Join the hundreds of islanders who've already made the trip. Together, we're keeping Flinders Island clean - and keeping money where it belongs: in our community.