The green machine

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Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) has a Reverse Vending Machine for students to recycle plastic bottles and cans.

The Reverse Vending Machine is an initiative made possible through joint funding from Reading University Students' Union and the University of Reading's Annual Fund Campaign. The machine will encourage students to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans when on campus.

We are the first in the South East and the first university nationwide to install an incentive based method for recycling.

Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) utilise advanced technology to identify, sort, collect and automatically process used drinks containers ready for recycling. The machine produces token receipts for each item recycled, allowing the user to benefit financially. Each time a student uses the machine, they will earn one point.  When they have collected 20 points they can be exchanged for a canvas bag in the Union shop.

The RVM brings numerous benefits to RUSU allowing them to:

• Reduce current waste management costs and improve recycling standards

• Save on landfill taxes

• Improve Health and Safety by condensing litter and waste.

As the first university to install the RVM, RUSU hope to set a trend for others to follow, and join in the big push to Go Green.