Three convenience stores in the central belt officially launched reverse vending machine (RVM) trials today (15 February) as part of an SGF-backed study into the impact on retailers of the Scottish Government’s forthcoming deposit return scheme.
Customers of Nisa Local in Bellshill, Premier Broadway in Oxgangs and Keystore in Moredun are offering customers 10p for every empty water, soft drink and juice container returned to store until the end of April. Alternatively, customers can choose to donate their 10p to a local good cause.
At Dennis and Linda Williams’ Premier Broadway store, pupils of Pentlands Primary School were joined by local politicians Joanna Cherry MP and Gordon MacDonald MSP for a quick litter pickup in a nearby park. The kids then demonstrated how easy the Envipco-supplied machine, which slotted in neatly beside the store’s ATM, was to use.
The 60cm-wide unit has been an instant hit with the store’s customers, according to Linda.
“We’ve already had to empty the machine,” she said. The RVM holds 600 crushed bottle and 300 crushed cans. It had been installed four days previously.
Dennis is delighted to be supporting the local community and Premier Broadway is matching its customers’ donations to its nominated good cause, the aforementioned Pentlands Primary.
“It’s not just about recycling and doing our bit to save the planet, but also about bringing together the community together,” he said. “We hope that the funds will help to purchase new equipment or supplies.”
Gordon MacDonald MSP, who is also Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Independent Convenience stores, commented: “These trials will prove to be important for learning how a deposit return scheme can best work for retailers, particularly Scotland’s many independent stores.
“I look forward to seeing how customers respond to the trial scheme and the RVM technology in store.”
MP Joanna Cherry congratulated the Williams’ and encouraged everyone in the local area to get involved.
Envipco’s President, Bob Lincoln, flew in from the USA for the launch. He was joined by Chris Sloey, Regional Account Manager for Viridor, a recycling company that is supporting the initiative through the collection and recycling of the empty containers.
