24 November 2008

University goes green with pioneering new machine

The University of Sheffield has revamped its recycling initiatives by installing an inventive new machine. The Reverse Vending Machine, which is the first of its kind in Yorkshire, will offer incentives to staff and students to encourage them to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans.

Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) are able to sort, collect and process used drinks containers for recycling. Each time a container is recycled, the machine will produce token receipts for 5% off a hot drink at eatwithUS outlets across the University campus. Any unacceptable objects or unsuitable materials are identified and automatically rejected.

The University already recycles plastic and tins from the Information Commons, along with paper and cardboard from across the campus. The new machine will contribute to these initiatives along with a number of projects which aim to minimise the University's impact on the environment. These include working with the Carbon Trust to reduce its carbon footprint, purchasing a large majority of the electricity it uses from renewable energy sources, and implementing a number of transport initiatives to encourage staff to travel to work by alternative means to car. The University has also been praised for recognising the green agenda with its award winning water minimisation plan.

Pat McGrath, Director of Accommodation and Campus Services at the University, said: "Offering incentive-based recycling is an innovative idea and it's great to have Yorkshire's first Reverse Vending Machine here at the University. Each time a student, staff member or visitor decides to recycle their used drinks container, they will get cheaper drinks in return. As well as encouraging our customers to recycle, we hope that local businesses will follow our lead and take a step towards a greener future."

The machine is located in the Plaza Café area of the Arts Tower. In addition to the machine, there are also a number of recycling bins in the same area, for a more conventional method of recycling.

Notes for Editors: There are over 19,000 Reverse Vending Machine installations supplied by Reverse Vending Corporation throughout Continental Europe. This is expected to double in the next few years.

All recycled products will have full tractability and will be collected and transferred to dedicated recycling stations by the vending operator.

For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Assistant, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk

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