Green Self-Service - recycling kiosk opens
Self-service for Environment sake -- Orange County with recycling kiosks that let shoppers deposit glass, plastic and containers in exchange for vouchers at supermarket. 440 RePlanet kiosks in California.
New center features automatic sorting, video surveillance
BY AMANDA ESTEP
On Aug. 1, recycling became simpler, cleaner and easier for Tustin residents, thanks to a state-of-the-art self-serve kiosk that will furnish supermarket vouchers for used beverage containers.
A RePlanet recycling center, produced by TOMRA Pacific Inc., opened on the grounds of Albertsons supermarket, located at 13270 Newport Ave., last Saturday. Shoppers who deposit used glass, plastic and metal beverage containers receive vouchers redeemable at Albertsons.
“We are delighted to be working with the city of Tustin on this much-needed community service for residents,” says Adrian White, vice president of Business Development at TOMRA Pacific. “A supermarket that provides recycling facilities not only improves its image in the community, it can also leverage the increased foot traffic to gain incremental sales and increase customer loyalty.”
The RePlanet center houses four "reverse vending" machines (RVMs) that collect and sort beverage containers according to material and size. The system is equipped with Sure Return, a patented technology that provides continuous video surveillance, ensuring correct deposit refunds for customers.
In an effort to motivate consumers, TOMRA Pacific will make personnel available to help them learn how to use the machines. With more than 440 RePlanet kiosks in California, TOMRA is responsible for recycling an estimated 3 billion containers in the state, say company reps.
“Tustin, a city of 70,000 people, previously had no CRV recycling center locations located on grocery store parking lots for convenient access by the public,” says White. “The new RePlanet will be a first for Tustin and will make a significant difference in the community to help raise the area’s overall recycling rate.”
Posted by staff at August 5, 2009 10:08 AM