A vending machine that receives used plastic bottles and issues rewards to incentivise recycling has been launched in Nigeria.
The Kay Group, a British run concern, is collaborating with Silverbird Galleria, a shopping mall and entertainment centre on Victoria Island in Lagos, in this regard.
Making the disclosure on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, officials of the Kay Group disclosed that once the bottle is inserted into the machine, it is crushed automatically, making the recycling process much easier.
The bottles are then collected and recycled through strategic partners.
The machines can also print vouchers as a reward for recycling with codes for discounts and airtime.
Deborah Adejumo of the Kay Group said: “Finding solutions has always been our strength. Everyone knows that plastic bottles are a huge source of waste, but it is difficult to find places in Lagos to recycle them easily.
“We are pleased to partner with Silverbird Galleria, the premier entertainment space in Lagos, to give customers a convenient and stress-free place to recycle.
“We are also partnering with other companies to provide rewards such as airtime vouchers that will incentivise customers to recycle more.
“We know the Lagos State and Federal Government have prioritised recycling to transform Nigeria into a green and circular economy and we are proud to play a role in this process.
“We hope eventually to place machines in malls, schools, hospitals, cinemas and other public spaces so that recycling becomes second nature.”
The Kay Group hopes installing recycling machines in strategic locations will reduce the barriers to recycling as consumers will find it convenient to put the bottle in the machine instead of throwing it away.
“A major hurdle to recycling is changing consumer behaviour as places to recycle are scarce. “We intend to enter into strategic agreements with retailers, telecom companies and entertainment venues to obtain rewards due to customers. The machine also has a front display screen enabling companies to advertise and help promote sustainable values,” added Adejumo.
