Foodstuffs-owned New World has launched its first reverse vending machine (RVM) at its Birkenhead supermarket, catering to locals’ interest in recycling single-use parts of containers. 

“People here have already gotten behind other recycling efforts like soft plastics and caps and lids,” said Sandy Botterill, head of ESG of Foodstuffs. 

The RVM, widely used in Europe and other countries, accepts empty plastic and glass bottles without caps attached, as well as aluminium cans, and uses sensors to identify and sort materials by type. 

This will support a future rollout of a regulated container return scheme in Aotearoa by understanding consumers’ behaviour on container recycling. 

The sustainable machine trial, in partnership with RVM manufacturer TOMR, showcases how RVMs work, tests consumer appetite for this collection method, and demonstrates how this technology can boost recycling rates and improve the quality of materials recovered. 

“The fact that it involves and supports our local schools at the same time is an awesome incentive to reduce waste to landfill, in addition to the clear environmental benefits,” said Richard Hills, North Shore ward councillor, and chair of Auckland City’s Policy and Planning Committee.

The funds, with a 10-cent reward for each returned container collected from RVMs, will be used to support local schools and charities.