Turn Used Plastic Bottles Into Discount Coupons at This Futuristic Vending Machine

(SPOT.ph) Plastic waste in all its forms not only pollutes the environment, it also poses serious risks to marine life and entire ecosystems. And disposing of or recycling it properly can go a long way. To make recycling more fun and accessible, SM Cares deployed special reverse vending machines that will take your plastic bottles and aluminum cans in exchange for discount coupons. You can check them out at two SM Malls branches until April 20.

Also read: UP Scientists Observe Plastic-Eating Bacteria in Manila Bay

Plastic Recycling With the Reverse Vending Machine

The Reverse Vending Machine, called Eco Vendo, will accept plastic bottles and aluminum cans in exchange for discount coupons for SM Skating and SM Bowling. Though not the first of its kind in the world—they've been spotted in Japan, India, and the United States, reverse vending machines geared at recycling are not a common sight in the country.

Eco Vendos can be found at two locations: 

• SM Megamall: SM Cinema, 3F Building A, SM Megamall (near Snack Time counter)
• SM Mall of Asia: SM Cinema, 2F Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia (near Snack Time counter)

For every 1,000 mL worth of polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles and/or aluminum soda cans deposited, you can get a 15% off coupon for SM Skating, or 15% off at SM Bowling.

Also read: 10 Tumblers With Straws to Replace Those Single-Use Plastic Cups

Once all your bottles and cans have been deposited, the machine will print a voucher you can use to redeem the discount. Only one coupon may be used per transaction and must be redeemed within 60 days from the date of issuance, from Monday to Thursday at the following SM Malls:

SM Bowling

• SM Megamall
• SM North EDSA
• SM Fairview

SM Skating

• SM Megamall
• SM Mall of Asia

If the recycled items are less than 1,000 mL, proceeds will go straight to SM Cares to support its various programs.

"Through our Reverse Vending Machine project, we want to communicate to our mall-goers that properly disposing of even just one plastic bottle already makes a difference," said Engr. Liza Silerio, Program Director for SM Environment and Sustainability. "By doing this, participants can also avail of rewards they won’t get anywhere else. But of course, nothing can be as rewarding as everyone being able to enjoy their right to a healthy environment," she added.