Auckland’s New World Birkenhead is leading the charge in smart recycling with the launch of New Zealand’s first supermarket-based Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). This exciting new trial invites shoppers to recycle their single-use drink containers like aluminium cans, plastic, and glass bottles while raising money for local schools and charities at the same time.
The initiative is powered by TOMRA, the global leader in reverse vending and return system technology. Together, they’re aiming to show just how effective and easy modern recycling can be. Here’s how it works - remove the cap, pop your empty container into the machine, and let the built-in sensors take care of the rest, automatically identifying and sorting materials for high-quality recovery.
Already a hit across Europe, RVMs are now being tested on Kiwi soil to see how well they fit into everyday life. This trial isn’t just about testing the tech it’s about measuring how willing New Zealanders are to embrace a regulated container return scheme that could help slash waste and lift recycling rates nationwide. New World Birkenhead’s community-first approach means every container counts both for the planet and for the people.
“We’re really excited to be giving this a go at New World Birkenhead. People here have already gotten in behind other recycling efforts like soft plastics and caps and lids, so we’re pretty sure they’ll back the reverse vending machine too, especially with the chance to help out local schools at the same time,” said Sandy Botterill, Head of ESG for Foodstuffs, the co-operative behind the nations New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores.
At New World Birkenhead, every bottle or can you return through the Reverse Vending Machine isn’t just helping the planet it’s helping local kids too. For each container recycled, 10 cents goes to one of four nearby schools, with customers choosing where their donation lands. The monthly contribution is capped at USD1,500, but the impact? Priceless.
Birkenhead was the natural choice for this trial, thanks to its community of passionate recyclers and the store’s impressive collection of lids and caps to date. The initiative also has the backing of Auckland Council, which sees it as a meaningful step toward a cleaner, greener future and a powerful example of how a nationwide container return scheme could help New Zealand reach its zero-waste-by-2040 goal.
Responses
