Fremantle's Reverse Vending Machine
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When I was in Germany last year, I was very impressed with their recycling facilities. Outside most supermarkets were reverse vending machines where people put their empty plastic bottles and cans and in return got a credit voucher to use in the shop. At the time, this level of recycling seemed light years ahead of Australia.
But Fremantle City Council has recently installed a reverse vending machine on the Esplanade that swaps your empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans for reward coupons. The initiative aims to encourage visitors to recycle their waste, to promote local businesses and to keep the streets of Fremantle clean.
Facts about the damage rubbish does to the environment are displayed on the outside. For example, the reverse vending machine, which holds up to 2,000 recyclable items, will also:
• Reduce the amount of plastic making its way into landfill and the ocean. Currently, plastics make up about 60% of marine debris and an estimated 100,000 marine mammals and turtles are killed by plastic litter every year around the world.
• Save energy, as making PET bottles from recycled materials uses 84% less energy than producing them from raw materials.
The reverse vending machine is very easy to use. You simply put your empty plastic bottle or can into the slot, press the green button and choose your reward on the touch screen.
A coupon is printed out and when you have enough coupons you can redeem them at local businesses. The participating businesses and their offers are:
The Raw Kitchen
• Two yoga classes for the price of one (10 coupons)
• A free smoothie when you spend $25 or more in the restaurant (10 coupons)
Missy Moos Gourmet Burger Bar
• 15% off your next bill (5 coupons)
Market Girl
• Free kids lucky dip (4 coupons)
Parlapa Café Lunch Bar
• Free homemade biscuit with any coffee purchased (4 coupons)
Tourist Wheel
• $2 discount on one full price ride (5 coupons)
Fremantle Opals
• 20% off opal jewellery when you spend over $80
The rewards change every six months and the current vouchers are valid until 10th March 2016.
The reverse vending machine will be trialled in Fremantle for three years with a possibility of extension if it is successful. So get down to Fremantle and start reaping the rewards of recycling.
#environment
#free
#fremantle
#frugal_friday
#greater_fremantle
#technology
%wnperth
218804 - 2023-06-16 07:46:46