# Eco Vending Machines Volkswagen's Think Blue Vending Machine Accepts Old Batteries As Payment By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-04-16 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think-blue References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2015/04/volkswagen-vending-machine-batteries-money-think-blue-campaign.html) & [thinkblue.volkswagen](http://thinkblue.volkswagen.com/com/en/about-think-blue) As part of an initiative called Think Blue, car company [Volkswagen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-id-life) wanted to find ways to make it easier for people to recycle. One of its inventive solutions came in the form of a [vending machine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automatica-project), which accepted [used batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-take-back-box) rather than coins. When not properly disposed, Volkswagen notes that a single battery has the potential to pollute 20 square meters. Dubbed the Think Machine, this unique vending station with specially machined parts was set up throughout the city of Moscow. People could trade their old batteries for items like Earth-like stress balls, water bottles and eco-friendly t-shirts. As a result, Volkswagen was able to collect more than 8,000 batteries during just the first month of installation. Since it can be such a hassle to properly dispose of batteries, this is a creative solution that satisfies people and the planet. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco Vending Machines:** Vending machines that enable eco-friendly and innovative payment methods for purchases. - **Sustainable Recycling Initiatives:** Companies implementing sustainable recycling initiatives for waste management and environmental protection. - **Green Branding:** Development of socially and environmentally responsible branding strategies to encourage consumer engagement in sustainability efforts. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** Creating new and innovative ways to reduce carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices within the automobile industry. - **Retail:** Revitalizing the vending industry with sustainable and eco-friendly vending machines to promote responsible consumer practices. - **Environmental Services:** Providing sustainable waste management and recycling solutions while encouraging green behavior in society. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Product Refill Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refillable-vending-machines.md) - [Hydrogen-Powered Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogenpowered-vending-machine.md) - [AI-Powered Recycling Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/binko-recycling-machine.md) - [Battery Rental Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swobbee.md) - [Diy Battery Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/regenbox-1.md) - [Sustainable Battery Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-shopping-experience.md) - [Interactive E-Waste Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cash-for-trash.md) - [BYO Bottle Drink Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refilled-refiller-stations.md) - [Gamified Recycling Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-container.md)