‘Cash Recycling Machines’ is just one name…
They have so many names; you may well know them as ‘Reverse Vending Machines’ or ‘Deposit Return Systems’. Essentially they are recycling machines that give a fixed deposit to the user when a drinks can, bottle or carton is returned. Scotland are currently considering the system, but they really should reconsider…
In theory, putting a physical value on recycling will engage the public, allowing them to help the nation recycle materials. Whilst many support the idea, many think that it is damaging in the longer term. Consider firstly, the council is active in various recycling markets, selling their recyclables all over the world at the best price, this money then goes back into the council, usually towards waste management costs. If people then start recycling themselves, and because of a financial incentive, it’s clear that these recycling machines are going to cost the councils a great deal of money. It’s estimated that councils in Scotland would lose an average of £8.4m a year to this scheme.
That’s if the scheme was working at full capacity. According to AG Barr, the Deposit Return Scheme doesn’t really work, as people still can’t really be bothered. AG Barr are stopping their own DRS system, after their findings showed a drop from 90% to 54% of people returning their bottles since glass was added to domestic recycling in the early nineties.
Scotland’s recycling rates have been steadily rising, and since the introduction of the single use plastic bag levy, people are really beginning to embrace the circular economy argument. So, why disrupt a system that is working? From where we are sitting, the people who benefit most are the people who make the recycling machines for the deposits, and perhaps people who are happy to walk around looking for cans and bottles to recycle.
What about the people who are sick of litter, people who are unimpressed with their current recycling collection or people who could really use the money from returns?
Perhaps it would be a good idea to introduce a handful of the machines around the country, but introducing them on a massive scale could well negate that hard environmental work that has already been put in. If the machines are observed and high quality metrics can be measured, then a definitive answer can be given. There is little hope in ruling out their benefits without an attempt at making them work.
It will be interesting to see what Scotland does.
On a related note, Scotland announced in June that they were switching their money from paper to plastic. So as well as cash recycling machines, they will also have recyclable cash, how bizarre! Here’s a couple of quotes about the matter…
Acting CEO of Clydesdale Bank, Debbie Crosbie, said: ‘We take our responsibility as an issuer of banknotes seriously and are extremely proud to once again be leading the way in innovation.
‘Our new polymer notes are more durable and secure, which will deliver a positive impact for the public and businesses. We have achieved that while also creating a striking and beautiful design which celebrates an iconic Scottish landmark.’
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