On Friday, Oct. 13, Auburn University welcomed four new recycling machines to campus, part of a broader initiative to enhance sustainability.
Joan Hicken, manager of the university's Waste Reduction and Recycling Department, hopes these machines will streamline recycling efforts and ignite enthusiasm within the Auburn family to recycle and contribute to a healthier planet.
ATLAS RVM Systems, a company headquartered in Rye, New York, produced the recycling machines, known as reverse vending machines. The machine cuts down on much of the recycling process, allowing users greater efficiency in processing and storage. After someone inserts an empty can or bottle, the machine compacts and sorts the recyclables until they are moved to what the company terms "commodity lockers." According to ATLAS RVM Systems' website, workers will empty the lockers when full and transport the recyclables to plastic and aluminum conversion facilities for "re-entry into the circular economy."
With traditional recycling receptacles, non-recyclable items can intermix with recyclable items, leading to errors in the waste reduction process.
“It is important to recycle properly,” Hicken said. “We often see a lot of what we call 'contamination' in our recycling, where trash and recycling are not being disposed of properly.”
The ATLAS RVM addresses this issue by assisting individuals in recycling correctly. It is able to analyze the items being inserted and only accepts plastic bottles and aluminum cans, enhancing the efficiency of the recycling process.
The introduction of the ATLAS RVM is a positive step toward reducing the environmental impact of waste at Auburn. Of the four machines on campus, two are in the Harold D. Melton Student Center, one at the nearby transit pavilion, and the other in Foy Hall.
While these machines are currently in their initial phase on campus, the university plans to add more RVMs across campus. Hicken noted the university plans to launch "incentives" for people to recycle on campus.
Hicken expects this forward-thinking approach will further engage the Auburn community in recycling practices.
The capabilities of the ATLAS RVM extend beyond just recycling. It can print receipts and display tailored messages on its front-facing screen. The company designed these personalized messages and incentives, such as the chance to win prizes to encourage users to participate in the recycling process.
“The RVM is used to create additional awareness and engagement around campuses for recycling,” said Renee Bedford, director of marketing and sustainability for ATLAS.
Bedford highlighted the collaborative nature ATLAS produces as they work with customers, including Auburn University, to advance their recycling journey.
“At ATLAS, we spend a lot of time understanding where our partners are coming from and what they want to accomplish," Bedford said. "So we are almost creating a sort of a custom program based upon the needs of our local partners."
Auburn University remains committed to enhancing sustainability efforts across campus, and the university anticipates the ATLAS RVMs will be a significant asset in achieving this goal.
“Recycling is one of those things that we are all in this together,” Hicken said. "It's really a communal activity."
By using the RVMs and supporting the university's sustainability efforts, members of the Auburn community can help reduce waste and preserve the environment for future generations.
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