Working with TOMRA, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has become the first hospital in Scotland to host a Reverse Vending Machine.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has become the first hospital in Scotland to host a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), as NHS Grampian works with TOMRA to undertake a trial of the technology in advance of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launching across Scotland in August this year.
Under the scheme, all buildings which include retail catering outlets must either house an RVM or be part of a local network for the collection of drinks containers.
The trial launched last month and saw a TOMRA RVM situated at the main hospital entrance. Customers using the machine receive a voucher worth 5p per item, up to the value of £2.50, to be spent in the hospital’s Aroma Cairngorm café within two weeks.
Neil Duncan, Waste Management Officer for NHS Grampian, said: “I am delighted Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is hosting this trial and it’s my hope it will reduce litter on site and promote recycling. NHS Grampian is committed to being a sustainable organisation as part of the Plan for the Future; this trial is us putting our words into action.
“Under the terms of the DRS, we will have to plan to either install machines or join a local network at Woodend, Dr Gray’s Hospital, and Royal Cornhill Hospital. This trial will help us decide on the best course of action. We will also be sharing our experience with colleagues at other health boards across Scotland.”
When the deposit return scheme comes into effect in August the refund will be 20p per item and people will be able to choose between a voucher or a cash alternative. During the trial there will be no cash alternative and the return will be 5p per item.
Derick Murray, non-executive board member, added: “As the board’s Sustainability Champion, I am really pleased to see Aberdeen Royal Infirmary leading the way with this trial. We want to support change in the community, as well as within our own organisation, and this is a great example of that. I’m looking forward to seeing how this pilot develops.”
John Lee, TOMRA’s Vice-President for Public Affairs in the UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this highly innovative project. NHS Grampian is to be congratulated for taking the lead on this, giving hospital staff, patients and visitors the opportunity to reduce litter and boost recycling. NHS hospitals could play a key role in the success of deposit return once the scheme goes live. This project is paving the way for that success, showing how easy it is for everyone to play their part in it.”
