Bury St Edmunds businesses could soon be benefitting from an innovative recycling scheme that offers rewards to those recycling their drinks bottles and cartons. Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed up with West Suffolk Council to provide a Reverse Vending Machine at the multi-storey car park in Parkway. It aims to increase recycling rates and reduce litter – similar machines have already been installed by West Suffolk Council and partners at West Suffolk College and in Newmarket’s Leisure Centre and Guineas shopping centre.
The machines are being trialled for six months and, if successful, more could be installed in suitable locations. West Suffolk Council is the first local authority to support the initiative from Trovr which uses an app to reward points for every drink container recycled in the machines. Since the campaign was launched in February more than 2,000 items have been recycled with around 700 of those at West Suffolk College.
Chief Executive of Our Bury St Edmunds BID Mark Cordell said: “Some will remember as children collecting up empty pop bottles to take back to the corner shop for a refund on them for some extra pocket money – this is a 21st Century version of the same idea. The real benefit though is that as well as encouraging recycling and reducing litter the rewards on the Trovr app can be spent in the town centre which is good news for our businesses. The BID is delighted to have worked in partnership with West Suffolk Council and Trovr to bring the Reverse Vending Machine to the town centre.”
A national Deposit Return Scheme is to be introduced by the Government from next year. This means that certain products will have a deposit charged on them which is refunded when the empty container is taken to a designated return point. It aims to keep more containers out of landfill and reduce littering.
Jill Korwin, Strategic Director at West Suffolk Council said: “West Suffolk Council is continually looking at initiatives that can bring about environmental improvements, therefore we were delighted to take the opportunity to work with Trovr and partners on this trailblazing scheme. The Reverse Vending Machines offer a unique way to incentivise people to reduce litter and shop locally, whilst increasing recycling and making it easier and more accessible. By keeping our streets clean and supporting our local high streets, we are helping to ensure West Suffolk remains a great place to live and work.”
Chief Executive Officer of Trovr, Nick Yeatman, commented: “As champions of innovation and environmental responsibility, Trovr is thrilled to partner with Our Bury St Edmunds BID and West Suffolk Council in launching a visionary rewards-for-recycling trial. This initiative serves a dual purpose—preparing the local community for the upcoming national Deposit Return Scheme and pushing the boundaries of recycling of single use drink containers with digital rewards. By combining technology with environmental consciousness, we aim to inspire meaningful change and create a blueprint for the future of recycling. This trial not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also positions us at the forefront of the digital evolution within the recycling industry.”
The Reverse Vending Machine is located in the ground floor foyer of the Parkway muti-storey car park. Users need to download the Trovr app and create an account before depositing their empty plastic bottles or cans in the machine. After pressing start on the machine, inserting the containers is simple. A printed receipt includes a QR code to scan for rewards. The app has already been downloaded more than 400 times.
