Reverse Vending Machine Rewards You for Recycling On the Go
The Dream Machine is a computerized recycling container that allows consumers to recycle bottles and cans in the machine and collect and redeem points as part of a reward system for their effort.
Ever had an empty aluminum can or a plastic bottles while on the go? (We know you’re nodding your head.) There may be an easier solution than toting it home to your recycling bin.
The Dream Machine is a new reverse vending machine manufactured by GreenOps that provides access to on-the-go recycling. An added bonus: Each container recycled will earn you prizes.
Consumers can drop off PET plastic bottles or aluminum cans and receive points redeemable at either the host venue or Greenopolis.com, an interactive community provided by Waste Management that promotes recycling and rewards recyclers. (Check out the video below for a quick demo.)
“We know that convenience is key for consumers when recycling and this program focuses on the hardest to get containers – those consumed on the go,” says Wes Muir, director of communications at Waste Management. “Several thousand Dream Machines will be rolled out this year across the country.”
The goal of the kiosks is to recycle at least 400 million containers annually once the machines are more readily available, and each kiosk can hold about 300 cans before it needs to be emptied.
Currently, these machines can only be found in 150 North Carolina Rite Aid stores, but there will be up to 3,000 scattered around Southern California by this summer. Waste Management is also partnering with Keep America Beautiful to find ideal spots throughout its 600 local affiliates.
For those concerned about the conflict with state bottle bills, which offers a refund for recycling any containers, keep in mind that only 11 states currently offer this program and the Dream Machines are being targeted in areas where consumers typically wouldn’t have access to recycling.
The kiosks can also address concerns of contamination, as many are equipped with a tracking system that can scan the packaging to know what product is being recycled.
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