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Pick n Pay Expands Network of Reverse Vending Machines to Increase Recycling Incentives

Pick n Pay is enhancing its sustainability initiatives by broadening the distribution of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) throughout South Africa and incorporating its well-received Smart Shopper programme into this effort.

The retailer, based in Cape Town, now gives customers the chance to earn Smart Shopper points by recycling eligible products. These points can be used for groceries, airtime, and various other necessities.

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Read: Pick n Pay pilots new ‘reverse vending machines’ to encourage recycling

The company has added 16 new RVMs in its Gauteng stores, increasing the national total to 30 machines. These machines, capable of holding between 650 and 750 recyclable items, accept materials such as PET plastic bottles, milk bottles, and cans.

Since the launch of the initiative in 2018, more than 480,000 items, equating to over 34,000 kilograms, have been kept out of landfills.

“This initiative promotes a recycling culture by demonstrating that waste holds value. The RVMs motivate customers to reconsider their waste management and opt for recycling rather than disposal,” said Steffen Burrows, Pick n Pay’s sustainability manager.

“Our goal is to educate consumers about the value that remains in an item, even after they have used the product.”

Read: Pick n Pay’s new pilot project takes aim at food waste

According to Pick n Pay, customers receive the complete recyclable value for each item deposited, matching the earnings a recycler would attain from a waste management facility. Typically, this amounts to up to 10 cents per item, depending on the type and weight of the material.

Customers can link their Smart Shopper cards through the Imagined Earth app, Pick n Pay’s collaborator in the design and management of the RVMs. Smart

Shopper points can then be redeemed at checkout for regular purchases.

“Though the reward for each item may appear minimal, it accumulates quickly,” Burrows added.

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To date, rewards worth R40,000 have been distributed to customers. The group highlighted that strong customer participation is the key driver behind the expansion, noting a 50% increase in the volume of recycled items in the past six months.

One RVM located in a Pick n Pay store in Pretoria processes between 8,000 and 15,000 items each month.

Advancing sustainability

Pick n Pay indicated that the expansion of the RVM network was made possible through partnerships with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and Polyco.

Justin Needham, managing director of Imagined Earth, stated that these machines symbolize a vital move towards sustainability.

“They raise awareness, motivate action, and support a mindset shift towards sustainability. As we gain momentum for a South African Deposit Return System, initiatives like this help us progress toward realizing that vision. Exciting times are ahead for South Africa’s recycling landscape,” said Needham.

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