New recycling machine offers rewards for cans and bottles
Reverse vending machine launches at Northampton shopping centre
A litter‑picking group has introduced a second reverse vending machine in Northamptonshire, offering rewards to people who recycle their bottles and cans.
The Northants Litter Wombles have launched the machine at Weston Favell Shopping Centre in Northampton in partnership with installer Trovr. It is the second of its kind to be introduced by the group in the county.
The first machine was installed at the University of Northampton in February 2025 and has already processed more than 1,000 bottles and cans.
Mark Watson, chair of the Northants Litter Wombles, said bottles and cans make up a significant proportion of the rubbish collected by volunteers.
“Between 40 and 50 per cent of what we pick up in our litter bags is made up of cans and bottles,” he said. “This has the potential to be a real game changer.”
Reverse vending machines accept plastic bottles and metal cans, scanning the barcode before rewarding users. At Weston Favell Shopping Centre, recyclers receive points which can be redeemed in selected stores.
Watson said the machine also aims to raise awareness of the national deposit return scheme, which is set to be rolled out across the UK in 2027.
“The idea is to incentivise people not to throw bottles and cans on the ground,” he said. “When the national scheme comes in, people will get money back – potentially around 20p per item and that makes a big difference.”
He added that similar schemes in countries across Europe and Australia have led to a significant reduction in litter.
“As litter pickers, we know how much of a problem this is,” he said. “Bottles and cans get into drains, rivers and eventually the sea. They also pose a serious risk to wildlife.”
Watson said millions of animals die each year after becoming trapped inside discarded bottles and cans, while plastic pollution can take centuries to break down.
The machine at Weston Favell is already attracting interest from shoppers.
“People have been really positive about it,” he said. “There’s also a lot of surprise, because many people don’t yet realise the deposit return scheme is coming.”
The machines have been provided by Trovr, with Weston Favell Shopping Centre supporting the installation and promotion on site.
“They’ve been brilliant to work with,” Watson said. “Our role has really been about bringing the right people together and helping make it happen.”
Looking ahead, Watson said reverse vending machines would soon become a normal sight in shopping centres and supermarkets.
“This isn’t just an ambition – it’s the plan,” he said. “The amount of litter we’re dealing with simply isn’t sustainable. This is about turning the tap down, not just constantly trying to mop the floor.”
The Northants Litter Wombles were formed in 2021 and are part of a network of volunteer groups across the county. Together, they have collected an estimated 190,000 bags of litter over the past five years.