Pick n Pay partners with Coca-Cola Beverages Africa to expand reverse vending machines 

SOUTH AFRICA – Retailer Pick n Pay, in collaboration with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and reverse vending machine (RVM) provider Imagined Earth, has expanded its recycling initiative by adding 16 new RVMs across Gauteng.

This brings the total number of machines nationwide to 30. Plans are to install 15 more next year and eventually position a machine in every third store.

The initiative integrates with Pick n Pay’s Smart Shopper rewards program, enabling customers to earn points while recycling.

Each RVM can hold between 650 and 750 recyclable items, including PET plastic bottles, milk containers, and cans.

The machines are equipped with AI technology to identify recyclable materials based on barcodes and shapes, notifying waste management providers when they need emptying.

Customers can recycle by scanning their items’ barcodes at the machines, entering their mobile numbers, and following prompts.

Once linked to the Imagined Earth app, their Smart Shopper cards are credited with points, which can be redeemed at Pick n Pay tills. This service accepts various plastics, glass, and tin products.

Impact and customer rewards

Since the initiative’s launch in 2018, over 480,000 units have been recycled, and more than R40,000 (US$2198.64) has been paid out as a reward.

Steffen Burrows, Pick n Pay’s Sustainability Manager, highlighted that the program is helping divert waste from landfills while rewarding customers.

Imagined Earth pays customers the recyclable value of items, with payouts fluctuating based on prices from waste management facilities.

Rewards are credited directly to customers’ Smart Shopper cards and can be earned at RVMs outside Pick n Pay stores.

“This initiative not only incentivizes customers to recycle but also makes it fun and rewarding. Every time they recycle at our stores, they automatically earn Smart Shopper points,” Burrows said. “It’s a win for both our customers and the environment.”

Meanwhile, in August, Pick n Pay introduced newly designed electronic waste (e-waste) bins in select stores across Cape Town to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Through specialized training in repairing, refurbishing, and recycling e-waste, these bins will play a significant role in empowering disabled individuals.

The initiative is part of an enterprise development program supported by the National Economic Empowerment for the Disabled (NEED).

As Pick n Pay rolls out 210 new e-waste bins nationwide, the program stands to benefit significantly.

This move comes as South Africa faces ongoing challenges in e-waste management. According to WasteAid, the country generates about 360,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, with Gauteng accounting for approximately 55% of this total.

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