What is an Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)?

Automatic waste collection machines for plastic, glass and aluminium cans are a decisive step towards protecting the environment and promoting efficient recycling.

Known under various names such as Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), Eco Compactors or Automatic Waste Collection Machines, these devices are based on a simple concept: they allow people to return used containers such as plastic bottles (PETs), glass or aluminium cans for recycling. In addition, they can offer end-users discount vouchers, encouraging recycling.

In this article, we explore what these devices are and how they can benefit both businesses and local governments.

Raising awareness about plastic recycling

In recent years, public and consumer awareness of the environmental impact of plastic has increased significantly. Companies, especially supermarkets and large retailers, manufacturers, municipalities, could use these plastic waste collection machines as part of their "green marketing" strategies both by personalising the whole surface of the machine and on the screen. They could offer discount vouchers to those who recycle, combining private interest with social responsibility (promoting environmental education) and creating a positive dynamic.

Creating a green habit

These plastic waste collection machines encourage the development of an eco-friendly habit. After collection, users receive discount vouchers, which they can use in local partner businesses. This stimulates not only environmental protection, but also the local economy and citizen involvement in separate waste collection.

Benefits for local governments

Local governments and municipalities can use these devices to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. By installing them in the community, they promote the recycling of plastics, aluminium and other materials, thus fulfilling several important objectives:

1. Protect the environment and engage the community in sustainable actions.

The first objective concerns environmental protection and the future of the territory. In fact, plastic recycling machines can become part of environmental policies to implement sustainability initiatives that aim to reduce waste volumes and increase awareness of communities and younger generations of recycling.

2. Stimulate citizen involvement by offering discount coupons to local businesses, thereby strengthening the local economy.

The second objective is based precisely on citizen involvement and civic-mindedness. Plastic waste collection machines for municipalities encourage citizens to engage in separate waste collection by offering them discount vouchers to be used in local businesses (e.g. shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, tourist businesses, public transport, etc). So, starting from simple environmental actions and community civic education, the local economic chain can be supported.

3. Another advantage that should not be underestimated concerns the management of selectively collected waste. Plastic waste collection machines allow municipalities and waste collection companies to significantly reduce disposal costs because they automatically collect packaging, separating it according to material and reducing its volume.

Benefits for companies

Plastic waste collection machines can be very advantageous for companies too. For some businesses, such as shopping centres, supermarkets, manufacturers recycling incentives can be an important business opportunity.

As I said, these plastic waste recycling machines help to spread environmentally correct behaviour by rewarding citizens with discounts for use in businesses that join the initiative. Companies that will install Plastic Waste Collection Machines, in turn, are able to increase separate collection and save waste management costs (due to a 90% reduction in waste volume), thus creating a true circular economy .

What's more, companies with these machines can not only keep their customers happy, but also retain them, through useful communication strategies. They help increase separate collection, reduce waste management costs and strengthen brand image by associating with environmental projects.

Toreco SRL offers municipalities and companies different solutions based on individual needs. Its appliance models manage to meet the three most common requests: respect for the environment, through appropriate waste management; practicality and ease of use; economic convenience and profit opportunities.

Funding and grants

Local governments as well as MBIs can access non-reimbursable funding programs through the MBI Greening Program, continuously received by the ODA (link to: https://www.oda.md/ro/granturi/ecoimm).

TORECO SRL, the only supplier in the Republic of Moldova of "EURVEN" appliances (Italy), assists municipalities in all stages of the project and provides maintenance throughout the entire life of the appliances.

Conclusion:

Automated plastic waste collection machines are an innovative solution for responsible waste management and promotion of recycling. They bring benefits to both local governments and businesses, helping to protect the environment and develop a circular economy.

For more information and customized solutions, contact us, we will guide you through all stages of the project.