Reverse vending machine to boost recycling efforts in Singapore

Evelyn Choo, Channel NewsAsia 27 Oct 09;

SINGAPORE: Singapore has welcomed a state-of-the-art recycling bin at the HortPark. Unassuming at first glance, the reverse vending machine – a common sight in Japan and Europe – is the first in Southeast Asia.

Rudy Fang, director of Recycle Management Enterprise, said: "We want to introduce this reverse vending machine to more people in Singapore. Let the public know that there's such a machine (that gives a) fantastic, fun, rewarding recycling experience. We want to help the government and the public build a recycling culture."

The machine compresses recyclable materials like used drink cans and plastic drink bottles. It has light sensors which determine the deposited object's shape, weight and material, and will reject the object if it does not comply with configured settings.

The cost of each unit is between S$30,000 and S$60,000, and the importers of the recycling bin have big aspirations.

"We have a big dream. In ten years, we'll probably end up setting up recycling centres in Singapore, which will be able to take a different kind of waste, not only cans and bottles. They can probably take glass or other plastic materials," said Fang.

While you will not be seeing these machines on the streets anytime soon, you can try them out at the Clean and Green Carnival at the HortPark this weekend. By depositing recyclable items, one can get a receipt in exchange to take part in a lucky draw.

More information on the carnival is available at the Clean and Green Singapore 2010 website.
- CNA/so

Pop, clunk, and your can's recycled
Straits Times 27 Oct 09;

POP a used plastic bottle into these reverse vending machines at the Clean and Green carnival this weekend, and you get a lucky draw coupon to win prizes such as refrigerators and air-conditioners.

But pranksters beware, these recycling machines are smart enough to reject foreign items or bottles which are still full.

Three of these machines will make their debut here on Friday and have been programmed to take in only aluminium or steel cans, as well as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles commonly used for drinks. Other items will be rejected and ejected through an opening.

These machines are able to recognise the items by their material, weight and even barcode. And when an item is accepted, a ticket will be dispensed and the bottle or can is then compacted within the machine.

While such contraptions are more commonly found in countries such as Japan and the United States, they are believed to be the first in South-east Asia, said director of Recycle Management Enterprise Rudy Fang, who brought in the machines.

He hopes organisations such as schools, shopping malls and private companies will bring in more of these machines, which cost between $30,000 and $60,000, to make recycling 'more fun' and to encourage a recycling culture.

The Clean and Green carnival, organised by the National Environment Agency, will be held at HortPark off Alexandra Road from Friday to Sunday. The machines can be found at the recycling point along the Green Product Fair walkway.