Solar-powered RVM provides sustainable recycling option

A solar-powered Containers for Change Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) has opened in Mackay, Queensland.

The RVM, located at Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre, is operated by family-owned recycling business Anything Environmental and was manufactured by Queensland-based recycling technology startup Ecoboxtec.

In addition to being solar powered, the RVM also allows customers to redeem their container returns for instant cash by taking their refund ticket to the ATM located inside the shopping centre.

The machine also offers a donation option for customers to support CQ Rescue, a local charity providing round-the-clock helicopter emergency services throughout Central and North Queensland.

Anything Environmental owner Jo Higgins said the community response to the new RVM had been fantastic, with customers returning their containers when it suited them.

“Anything Environmental is proud to be the first in our region and in our state to introduce a fully solar-powered RVM with an integrated cash payout system,” Higgins said. “Partnering with Ecoboxtec has been a seamless and positive experience, making it easier to deliver this innovative, sustainable solution to our community.

“The Mackay community have been thrilled with the new machine, especially being able to get their refund in cash on the spot. People are clearly ready for smarter, greener recycling choices, and we’re excited to make that possible.”

Lauren Christian, Executive General Manager of Strategy, Design and Technology at COEX, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said combining smart tech with renewable energy was the next step in supporting Queensland’s sustainability goals.

“We’re proud to support Queensland-led innovation and manufacturing by partnering with Ecoboxtec across our network to deliver more convenient container refund points for customers,” Christian said. “The solar-powered RVM is a practical solution with a powerful social impact that will enable more recycling infrastructure to be placed in areas where access to electricity is limited or costly.”

Ecoboxtec Founder and Director Julien Craeye said Ecoboxtec was proud to partner with COEX to deliver a real impact for thousands of Queenslanders through Containers for Change.

“Our RVMs are built to be scalable and adaptable, which means they can be deployed in a wide range of environments, from urban centres to remote communities,” Craeye said. “By integrating solar power, we’re not only reducing environmental footprint but also unlocking new possibilities for where and how recycling services can be delivered.”

There are now more than 400 container refund points operating across the state as part of the Containers for Change network, including RVMs, depots, bag drops and mobile pop-ups.

Image caption: The solar-powered Containers for Change RVM in Mackay, Queensland. Image: Supplied.