A new recycling scheme launching this September at New College Lanarkshire will let students earn rewards for returning plastic bottles and cans.

The college is teaming up with Keep Scotland Beautiful and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) to install Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) on its Motherwell, Coatbridge, and Cumbernauld campuses. Each recycled item will earn students a 20p credit, redeemable in campus canteens.

The project follows an earlier trial at the University of Strathclyde, which explored different ways to motivate recycling. That study found that half of participating students said they would recycle more if money were offered as an incentive.

Senior Sustainability Manager at CCEP Great Britain Jo Padwick told The Manufacturer: “Giving students the chance to live with a Deposit Return Scheme – something that will soon be a part of everyday life – will allow us to see first-hand how people interact with [reverse vending machines] in reality.

“Hearing directly from students over four weeks will give us honest, human insight into both the practical and behavioural barriers to adoption, as well as what really motivates them to take part.”

Barry Fisher, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: “We’re really looking forward to the launch of this exciting new study and hope to see a significant increase in the use of Reverse Vending Machines on the college campuses. 

“Being on the ground listening to students and capturing their thoughts on messaging, campaign design, ease of use and the power of incentivisation will enable us to build stronger data to ensure that the incoming Deposit Return Scheme works for everyone.”