Ball Aluminium Cups and Denver Arts & Venues to install RVM on Red Rocks Amphitheatre

To enhance aluminium recycling at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Ball Aluminium Cups and Denver Arts & Venues have announced the installation of a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) on the Top Plaza. The machine went live at Red Rocks on October 2, 2023, and will remain there until November 12, 2023. Since 2021, Ball Aluminium Cups has been an official sustainability partner of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Denver Arts & Venues, providing sustainable drinkware that has helped attendees avoid millions of single-use cans, cups, and bottles.

"Installing the Reverse Vending Machine at Red Rocks brings many of Ball's priorities to life – incentivising recycling, educating consumers about aluminium's sustainable properties, and driving change through entertainment events. Interacting with the RVM will allow guests to take an active part in recycling while enhancing their overall experience at the venue through the chance to win Red Rocks merchandise," said Ball Aluminum Cups General Manager and President Emily Fong Mitchell.

To install the machine, Ball, a major worldwide manufacturer of sustainable aluminium beverage packaging, collaborated with top RVM provider Cycle, powered by Recycle Track Systems (RTS). The RVM aims to boost recycling rates at Red Rocks and educate customers about the advantages of aluminium use. 

Guests may enter their Ball Aluminium Cup, aluminium can, or aluminium bottle into the front of the machine, which then scans, crushes, and sorts the aluminium packaging using a conveyor belt. Once the packing has been sorted, customers can scan a QR code to be entered to win Red Rocks items.

The installation of the RVM will complement Red Rocks' current recycling and composting programmes. Red Rocks employs a three-bin garbage collecting system and a waste sorting staff to increase recycling rates and decrease the amount of trash sent to landfills yearly while receiving over a million visitors. Red Rocks will get data on the season's worth of aluminium recycling from the RVM, including its amount, kind, and mass.

“The Reverse Vending Machine is a fun way to engage Red Rocks fans in sustainability efforts. Our use of the Ball Aluminum Cup works best when fans understand the infinite recyclability of the cups and are partners in making that happen,” added Brian Kitts, Red Rocks spokesman.

At RTS, we’re thrilled to leverage Cycle’s innovative solutions for this initiative with the Ball Aluminum Cup at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Our collaboration is about more than just recycling; it’s about gamifying sustainability. Cycle makes recycling convenient while also engaging and rewarding guests. Together, we’re demonstrating how technology and sustainability can come together to create an unforgettable experience for all while making a positive impact on our planet. Our collaboration is about more than just recycling; it’s about gamifying sustainability. Cycle makes recycling convenient while also engaging and rewarding guests. Together, we’re demonstrating how technology and sustainability can come together to create an unforgettable experience for all while making a positive impact on our planet,” stated Recycle Track Systems CEO Gregory Lettieri.