We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Feasibility of Reverse Vending Machine for PET Bottle Recycling in Case of ABC Hypermarket
Summary
This feasibility study examines whether reverse vending machines for PET bottle recycling could reduce microplastic pollution in Thailand, where recycling rates are low and microplastic contamination in fine air particulate matter is a growing concern. Improving plastic bottle recovery could reduce fragmentation of PET into microplastics in the environment.
The prevalence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in beverage packaging has increased microplastic (MP) accumulation in the environment. MP can become a component of air pollution, especifically of particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). Unfortunately, Thailand has a low recycling rate for plastic bottles, with only 4.5% being recycled. Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) were introduced in the early 2010s as a potential solution to this problem. RVMs incentivize recycling by providing rewards or refunds for each bottle deposited, thereby reducing the amount of PET waste and MP in the environment. This study analyzed usage and waste collection data from RVMs located at 15 locations of a hypermarket chain in Thailand from June 2020 to December 2022. The results showed that the average PET bottles collected from each machine was approximately 670 kg per year, which was lower than the break-even point of 3,200 kg per year. Economic feasibility indicators also suggested that the use of RVMs might not be economically sound. This study proposed suggestions to improve the business model of RVMs and offered policy recommendations to the government on how to enhance the effectiveness of RVMs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Feasibility of Reverse Vending Machine for PET Bottle Recycling in Case of ABC Hypermarket
This is a duplicate entry for the feasibility study examining reverse vending machines for PET bottle recycling in Thailand, addressing the link between poor PET recovery and microplastic pollution in fine particulate matter. Improving plastic bottle recycling could reduce environmental microplastic loads.
A systems engineering study of integration reverse vending machines into the waste management system of Kazakhstan
This engineering study examined how reverse vending machines — which reward users for returning used bottles — could be integrated into Kazakhstan's waste management system to improve recycling rates. Better recycling infrastructure directly reduces the plastic waste that eventually breaks down into environmental microplastics.
Sustainable Management of Microplastic Pollutions from PET Bottles: Overview and Mitigation Strategies
Researchers reviewed the environmental impact of PET bottle degradation and strategies for managing the resulting microplastic pollution. The study highlights that PET bottle usage continues to grow, and its breakdown releases low-molecular-weight compounds and microplastics, while outlining mitigation approaches including improved recycling and waste management practices.
Roadmap to sustainable plastic waste management: a focused study on recycling PET for triboelectric nanogenerator production in Singapore and India
Researchers compared plastic waste recycling systems in Singapore and India to evaluate the potential for turning recycled PET plastic bottles into energy-harvesting devices, finding that each recycling cycle causes a roughly 30% drop in material performance and 65% loss in economic value, underscoring the need for stronger recycling infrastructure.
Tribo-Electrostatic Separation Analysis of a Beneficial Solution in the Recycling of Mixed Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) and High-Density Polyethylene
Researchers optimized an electrostatic separation process for sorting PET and HDPE plastic particles, testing how different parameters affect separation efficiency for recycling. Improving plastic sorting technology is key to increasing recycling rates and reducing the amount of plastic waste that ultimately degrades into environmental microplastics.