Residents of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, can now help boost recycling in their community with a reverse vending machine. This collaboration between the Nasipit local government and Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) aims to encourage plastic recycling and incentivize responsible waste disposal.
(Also read: Why Recycling Matters)
A reverse vending machine (RVM) is a machine that accepts empty and used bottles or cans and then returns money or other rewards to the recycler.
Nasipit’s RVM is located at the Municipal Hall, where residents can deposit plastic bottles with barcodes. For every 12 bottles deposited, RVM users earn fifty centavos, which they can redeem or donate to a preferred charity. With this gamified approach, the local government and TMI hope to foster consistent recycling habits and a stronger sense of environmental responsibility in the community.
(Also read: The Ingredients Of A Sustainable Community)
According to Mindanao Times, there are plans to scale the initiative by deploying additional RVMs in key locations across Nasipit, nearby communities, and within other facilities of AboitizPower’s Transition Business Group in Mindanao.
TMI’s other environmental responsibility efforts in Nasipit and surrounding communities include tree planting, coastal cleanups, and partnerships with community stakeholders for waste management campaigns.
Sources:
https://illumin.usc.edu/reduce-reuse-recycle-with-the-reverse-vending-machine/
