UK bank NatWest is testing out a reverse vending machine for the purposes of helping consumers to take some of the bulk out of their wallets and recycle their unwanted plastic payment cards, gift cards and loyalty cards. Security is the main reason that consumers are confused about how to properly dispose of their plastic cards, and as a result, millions of batches of recycling are contaminated.
These reverse vending machines can be found at locations across London in response to research that says "more than six in 10 UK consumers (62%) have a total of 65m unused, unwanted or expired cards "lying around at home" and that "a lack of recycling options […] has created over 380 tonnes of plastic card waste since 2017, equivalent to 211 stampeding elephants."
Reverse Vending Machines
NatWest's Machine Helps Consumers Recycle Unwanted Plastic Cards
Trend Themes
1. Plastic Card Recycling - Implementing reverse vending machines to facilitate the recycling of plastic payment cards, gift cards and loyalty cards to achieve sustainability goals.
2. Secure Disposal Solutions - Developing innovative solutions, such as reverse vending machines, that not only help in proper disposal of items, but also ensure security of personal information.
3. Consumer Convenience - Providing consumers with easy and convenient ways to recycle their unwanted plastic cards by making reverse vending machines available at various locations.
Industry Implications
1. Banking and Financial Services - Implementing reverse vending machines to encourage safe and efficient disposal of plastic cards, while promoting sustainable business practices.
2. Retail and Hospitality - Partnering with reverse vending machine providers to install these machines in convenient locations and offering incentives to customers for using them.
3. Waste Management - Developing and implementing innovative solutions to recycle plastic cards in order to decrease plastic waste and create a more sustainable future.