VIDEO: NYC Swap Meet Machine

by 01/25/12 4 Comments

swap-o-matic, swap, vending machine, machine, vending, clothing, exchange

Photo: Swap-O-Matic

We’ve seen some pretty crazy “reverse vending” ideas recently: machines that recycle light bulbs, charge cars and even pay you for your iPhone. But how about a machine that helps you freecycle?

Swap-O-Matic, a New York City-based vending machine project, is doing just that with a machine that allows users to donate, receive and swap items for free.

Lina Fenequito, the primary designer and creator of the machine, said she hopes to promote the three Rs and show users that swapping can be just as fun as buying new.

Swappers simply register with an email address and receive three freecycling “credits” automatically. Donating an item earns additional credits, which can be redeemed for other items in the machine using a touchscreen interface.

The Swap-O-Matic has traveled to several locations across New York over the past year, including the Lower East Side Girls Club and and Parsons The New School for Design, where Fenequito earner her master’s degree and now teaches.

Check out the video below for a closer look at the unconventional vending machine, or head to its current location – the Ample Hills Creamery in Brooklyn – to see it for yourself.

Swap-o-matic – Promotional Video #1 from Lina Fenequito on Vimeo.

Mary Mazzoni

Mary Mazzoni

Staff Writer


  1. Janeth Turner Reeves

    posted on January 26th, 2012 at 12:48 am

    This is such a fun idea!

  2. Nawal Sekkat

    posted on January 26th, 2012 at 4:45 am

    This is so cool! but who makes sure the items are clean and safe?

  3. Jazmyn Armstrong

    posted on February 23rd, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    I live in NYC and was made aware of this fantastic machine by a friend of mine who lives on the LES of Manhattan. This is such a wonderful idea and I am looking forward to utilizing the Swap-O-Matic soon.

  4. Ray Mancini

    posted on May 22nd, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    Thanks so much for writing about the Swap-O-Matiic! We've started a Kickstarter campaign here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1995501693/the-swap-o-matic-project If you'd like to support or help us pass this along, we’d greatly appreciate it!

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