BY: Charles Burch III
Reverse
vending machines are devices that allow you to receive reimbursement
for your recycled goods. These machines receive, sort, and dispose of
recyclable materials, and give users credit based on the amount of
material turned in. The first patent for a “Bottle Return and
Handling Machine” was filed in 1920, but only since the turn of the
century have modern versions of these technologies been created.
Since then, more viable options for alternative recycling have
emerged.
Reverse
vending machines are so innovative because of the way they solve two
important issues simultaneously; they encourage recycling and at the
same time make people want to do it. Apathy about recycling has long
been a problem for Americans, who view the process to be tedious and
time consuming. Each person generates about 4.5 pounds of trash a
day, and 74% of the materials are recyclable. Unfortunately only a
meager 30% of the materials reach the recycling bin. This statistic
is appalling in light of the pollution problems that our country is
currently suffering from, our waste sites pile up with millions of
tons of materials that could easily be reused and turned into new
products. Some western states like California have become aware of
this fact, and have started incentive programs that pay citizens
money for bringing their recyclable waste to gas stations for proper
disposal. However, this service is only in operation in a few states,
leaving the majority of us with very little to gain from the process.
If
you pay close attention to the video, you will notice that the person
using this device is an American, and this video takes place in New
York. What makes this interesting is that the majority of Americans
are not offered access to this service, much less even know what a
reverse vending machine is. The reluctance of the American market to
embrace these technologies may have something to do with the
technical difficulties that can occur, much like those shown in this
video. Americans are known for being generally lazy, and will not
participate in processes that slow down or add more burdens to their
lives, even for beneficial deeds like recycling. In order for reverse
vending machines to reach the mainstream, strides will have to be
made in streamlining the reverse vending process to make the process
faster. Once that happens, reverse vending will be the vanguard for
modern recycling.
Sources:
This is honestly a great idea. I could see these becoming the new wave. Going green just got more technological.
ReplyDeleteThere must not be a large enough profit margin. I feel many people would be inclined to recycle for cash
ReplyDeleteGoing green is the future for all business and the industry. This is a great way for everyone to do there part.
ReplyDeleteWe have these machines back in Los Angeles, and I ironically was discussing this with a friend yesterday, about why Atlanta does not have this. It's purely idiotic in my opinion, because not only does it promote going green, but it also stimulates the economy and encourages people to recycle. I know Atlanta is always slow to catch up on things, being that this is the south, but I would have expected to see this by now.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea! About time...I don't know why it takes people here so long to catch on to something that remotely resembles "community effort" or "collective benefit." This idea has already been implemented in Chinese subway systems, where people deposit a can or bottle and receive fare for their effort.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way to be more green and eco-friendly. money is he best incentive
ReplyDelete