New World Birkenhead has trialled New Zealand’s first supermarket-based reverse vending machine (RVM).
The trial aims to showcase how RVMs function, assess consumer interest in this collection method, and demonstrate how this technology can enhance recycling rates and improve the quality of materials recovered.
This will also give locals the chance to recycle single-use drink containers while raising funds for their local schools and charities.
RVMs have been widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. The machines accept empty plastic and glass bottles, as well as aluminium cans.
Customers simply remove the cap, insert the container, and the machine uses sensors to identify and sort materials by type. The goal has been to understand consumer support for a future rollout of a regulated container return scheme in New Zealand.
“We’re really excited to be giving this a go at New World Birkenhead,” said Sandy Botterill, Head of ESG for Foodstuffs, the co-operative behind the nation's New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores.
“People here have already gotten behind other recycling efforts like soft plastics and caps and lids, so we’re pretty sure they’ll back the reverse vending machine too, especially with the chance to help out local schools at the same time.”
Every container returned through the machine contributes 10 cents to one of four local schools. Customers choose where their donation goes, with the monthly New World Birkenhead donation capped at NZD 1,500 per month.
New World Birkenhead was chosen for the trial because locals are already keen recyclers, and the store's collection of lids and caps has been significant.
Local school principal Thomas Bigge from Kauri Park School in Beachhaven said the initiative was a win-win.
"It’s a great way to get children thinking about recycling and making a tangible difference in their community. Every bottle or can they bring back helps their school. It’s a fantastic incentive."
Auckland Council has endorsed the idea, as it aligns with its ongoing advocacy for a nationwide container return scheme and its goal to achieve zero waste by 2040.
"It is great to see this innovative trial taking place in our community, and with the opportunity to spread citywide, if successful,” said North Shore Ward Councillor and Chair of Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee Richard Hills.
“The fact that it involves and supports our local schools at the same time is an awesome incentive to reduce waste to landfill, in addition to the clear environmental benefits. Congratulations to New World Birkenhead, Foodstuffs, and everyone involved."
Foodstuffs supports researching how a regulated, nationwide container return scheme with voluntary participation of supermarkets could deliver consistency and scale.
Botterill added that this trial will help understand how to successfully integrate reverse vending machines into a supermarket environment voluntarily, while also supporting community recycling.
“It’s not about rolling anything out, more about seeing what’s possible.”
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