Reverse vending machine
After inserting the recyclable item, it is then compacted, sorted, and analyzed according to the number of ounces, materials, and brand using the universal product code on the bottle or can.
[1] After the invention, the machine was manufactured en-masse by the innovator's firm Arthur Tveitan ASA in Norway and distributed worldwide.
[2] Recyclable items are quickly processed and crushed to ensure size reduction, to prevent leaks of any liquids inside the bottles, and finally, to boost the machine's storage volume.
[2] According to a study by the New York City Housing Authority, participants reported that the reverse vending machine was a more flexible option for recycling and convenience purposes.
[2] Furthermore, these machines are seen as a contributor to the circular economy as people are motivated to participate in recycling initiatives due to monetary benefits.
[2] The reverse vending machine attempts to solve the efficiency problem of sorting waste to enhance the recycling process.
[4] Waste is being accumulated at a growing pace all over the world, causing the need for new recycling solutions like reverse vending machines.
[7] Reverse vending machines have been implemented in various entertainment venues in the region as well, including Lincoln Financial Field, Javits Center, Nationals Park, and Red Rocks Amphitheater.
[7] Moreover, Tesco has committed to making all of its branded products 100% recyclable by 2025 and spearheaded an RVM campaign set to debut in early 2022.
[7] For example, the Russian food retailer, X5 Group, initiated a partnership with Coca-Cola in Pyaterochka, Moscow, to supply RVMs in neighborhood areas with high foot traffic.
[2] Russia's neighbor Kazakhstan has also recently embraced the idea of using reverse vending machines to help in their waste management processes.
[12] With landfills receiving 27 million tons of plastic in 2018, the RVM attempts to combat this by providing a convenient proper disposal method.
[16] As a result, government-affiliated and non-profit interest groups have worked with companies like TOMRA to initiate policies and joint venture programs to promote the use of reverse vending machines to the public.
[17] As more corporations and private businesses begin to enter the RVM market, costs are expected to decrease and become a more common alternative to traditional recycling methods.
[17] Aside from an economic perspective, RVMs are subject to constant checkups, updates, and maintenance procedures which enable the artificial intelligence software to continue scanning and collecting data on the recyclable bottles.
[4] Despite the convenience that reverse vending machines offer their users, the monetary rewards may be perceived as too insignificant to incentivize recycling from the general public.
The device will have an "LCD and push-button installed as well as a commercial beverages database holding a daily log of recycling activity.
