Scotland’s first recycling vending machine benefits bus users

Cheaper bus travel is on offer to users of Scotland’s first reverse vendingrecycling scheme, launched by bus company Stagecoach and Aberdeenshire Council.

Commuters can collect a Stagecoach green point for every drinks cans or plastic bottle they recycle using the machine. These points can be redeemed for discounted bus travel and other offers. A total of 50 green points entitles the holder to a 20p bus travel voucher, while 100 points equals a 50p discount voucher. Stagecoach operates around 200 buses across Aberdeenshire.
The reverse vending recycling machine has been introduced at the Ellon Park and Ride facility, which is used by 123,500 people every year.

Stagecoach group chief executive Brian Souter said: `Climate change is a major issue for our customers and we are delighted to work with Aberdeenshire Council and the Reverse Vending Corporation[which makes the machines] on an innovative project that is a first for Scotland.

`This is a really exciting green partnership that can help local people turn their waste into cheaper bus travel, saving landfill and helping consumers cut their carbon footprint.”

Complements services
Aberdeenshire Council Infrastructure Services Committee Chairman Peter Argyle said: “This complements the existing range of recycling services that the council offers and will allow us to review how this kind of reverse vending machine could be used in other locations.”

Image: From left to right Reverse Vending Corporation chief executive Stephen Hall, Aberdeenshire Council  Infrastructure Services Committee chairman Peter Argyle and Stagecoach group chief executive Brian Souter with the reverse vending recycling machine.