Recycle using reverse vending machines

One way to recycle involves the use of reverse vending machines. The incentive for most people to recycle is to appeal to their sense of public spirit and concern for the environment.

Istanbul, Turkey has decided to combine these two incentives with concern for that city’s stray animals. It is estimated that Istanbul has 150,000 stray dogs and cats. Previous ways of dealing with the problem, including the exile of strays to wildlife parks on the outskirts of the city, have proven to be controversial. Clearly appeals to spay or neuter pets, if they have been made, have not made a dent in the stay population.

Now the city of Istanbul has set up a number of unique vending machines. Passersby are encouraged to insert their used plastic bottles into the machines. In return the machine dispenses food and water into trays where the strays can partake. The program is being run by a Turkish company called Pugedon and is independent of the Turkish government. The cost of the food and water is supposed to be covered by the recycled plastic bottles.

Sydney, Australia has deployed a number of vending machines into which one can deposit used bottle and cans in exchange for a variety of vouchers and tickets. They include two-for-one food truck vouchers, a chance to win two tickets to the 2014 New Year’s Eve Festivities at Dawes Point, or entry in a jackpot to win bus tickets.

The technology for these so-called reverse vending machines has been around for a while. The first American patent was issued in 1920. The first practical machine was developed in Sweden in the 1950s and has been in use in that country since then. 

With the increasing awareness of environmental concern, reverse vending programs will continue to grow; benefiting recycling rates & local populations through the world.