UK. Glasgow Airport, in partnership with waste management partner Biffa, has installed two ‘reverse vending machines’ as part of a pilot project to encourage passengers and staff to recycle their cans and bottles.
The machines – each of which can accept 320 plastic bottles and 650 cans – are based on the first floor area next to the e-gate entrance to the security hall and in the main area of the departure lounge, initially over the next four weeks.
The AGS-operated airport company said the machines have been brought in on a trial basis to coincide with the COP26 summit on climate change and ahead of the introduction of the Scottish Government’s Deposit Return Scheme, which is due to begin next summer.
Although the government scheme won’t go live until next year, Glasgow Airport has agreed to donate 5p for each bottle or can deposited in the machines during the trial period, with the proceeds going to an environmental charity or project.
Glasgow Airport Sustainability Manager Kirsty Webster said: “AGS Airports Ltd launched its Sustainability Strategy earlier this summer. As a group we are committed to continuing our policy of diverting 100% of our non-hazardous waste away from landfill and to incorporate circular economy principals where possible to enhance and encourage sustainable development at our airports.
“One of the key aims of our strategy is to ban all avoidable single-use products within the airport by 2022. We’ve made great progress in this area already with the introduction of a number of water refill stations within the airport as well as pre-security sinks where passenger can empty their water bottles and carry them through security rather than just dispose of them.”
She added: “The introduction of the Reverse Vending Machines further complements the work already being done to reduce unnecessary waste and will help ensure cleaner, better-quality recycling and encourage passengers and staff to recycle even more.”
When it goes live in Scotland next year, the Deposit Return Scheme will see consumers pay a 20p deposit when buying a drink in a bottle or can which is reimbursed when the container is returned to a collection point.
