Reverse vending machine

Sydney’s Metcentre shopping centre complex has installed a reverse vending machine from Envirobank to manage the centre’s recyclable waste, lower its environmental impact and engage with customers.

With the average shopping centre producing approximately 30 tonnes of recyclable material each week, Sydney’s Metcentre will use the machine to provide its visitors with a hands-on way to do their bit for the environment.

The machine looks like a typical vending machine but instead of inserting coins to receive a drink or snack, users place their empty bottles or cans to receive prizes or in-centre retailer discounts.

Unlike recycling bins, Envirobank’s reverse vending machines can identify non-recyclable material, crunch cans and bottles on site, alert staff when full, reduce centre waste management costs and lower the centre’s carbon footprint by reducing collection frequency.

Each machine can hold up to 3000 bottles and cans. Every item is scanned and recorded to provide an accurate carbon audit, based on the material collected.

CB Richard Ellis and building owners Mirvac and MTAA Super Fund are looking to explore the full potential of the machine through the use of the LCD screen installed in the machine.

The screen will share tips about how to go green to over 10 million visitors each year to the Metcentre and play promotional messages from retailers located in the centre.