Drinks maker Watsons Water offers cash coupons in effort to get Hong Kong public to recycle plastic bottles at reverse vending machines
- Watsons Water says machines can collect up to 1,000 bottles of all brands
- Users will be rewarded with cash coupons for up to HK$50
Hongkongers will soon be given greater financial incentives to recycle single-use plastic bottles, according to one of Hong Kong’s biggest drinks manufacturers, which also plans to provide more water dispensers.
To educate the public about reducing plastic waste, Watsons Water announced on Wednesday it would introduce 400 water bottle reverse vending machines. The machines can collect up to 1,000 bottles of all brands with volumes ranging from 230 millilitres to 1.8 litres.
“We are not trying to make this a business project. Everyone has a responsibility to recycle, which is why we are not singling out brands. All are welcome, however, we are starting with water bottles only,” A.S. Watson managing director Michelle Chan Wen-mee said, revealing the company hoped to expand the initiative to other beverages.
After putting bottles in the machine, users would be offered coupons or gift redemptions.
“All they have to do is download the ‘Drops of Fun’ mobile application,” said Edmond Yu Tak-chiu, Watsons Water marketing general manager.