In a bid to commemorate the World Environment Day, Male' has taken a step forward to 'go green' by installing a 'reverse vending machine' to recycle plastic bottles.
The reverse vending machine's service was officially inaugurated through a special function held on Tuesday evening at the west-end artificial beach area. Organized by Male' Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) and Island Beverages Maldives (IBM) the smart-bin was officially launched by Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim and MD of MWSC Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed.
The first ever smart-bin installed in a Maldive island the reverse vending machine will be able to hold a capacity of 538 bottles with varying sizes between 300ml to 1.5 liters.
Environment Minister had noted the technological advancement and its association towards pushing the island nation into a more environment friendly territory. In his speech during the ceremony, minister Thoriq highlighted on the challenges in introducing as well as managing such a recycling system.
However he had hoped the initiative will be well received by the public and would utilize it properly.
According to MWSC the customers receive points for recycling with the smart-bin. Each recycle grants customers with 0.15 points which can then be added up through every recycle to the reverse vending machine. Accumulated points can be redeemed through MWSC smartphone application for their services.
This includes using redeemed points to adjust for their utility bills as well.
