Por Redaccion 
Reverse vending machines, which offer discounts in commerce for recycling, are now in operation
March 14, 2025
Located in La Plaza and El Atrio. A sustainability initiative in commerce funded by Next Generation funds.
With funding from the European funds, the Avilés City Council has installed two reverse vending machines located in Avilés Market at La Plaza (Plaza Hermanos Orbón) and El Atrio. The Councilor for Commerce and Tourism, Raquel Ruiz, gave a presentation this morning at La Plaza explaining the operation of a system that aims to encourage people to recycle in exchange for small rewards.
Before using the machines, users need to visit the designated website and download a personal QR code that is valid for all uses of the machines. This QR code activates the machine, allowing users to start recycling.
Alternatively, users can visit the Tourist Office or any participating establishment to request a card with a QR code.
Users can deposit their barcoded containers in the recycling machines. For each container, they will receive 1 cent, with a maximum of 10 cents per day (10 containers) that can be accumulated or printed as a discount voucher on the spot.
For example, if a user accumulates 10 containers daily in a month, they can redeem a €3 discount voucher at participating establishments.
During certain commercial campaigns, such as the «Spring: flowers and prizes» campaign, the discount amounts may be higher, reaching up to €5 in some cases.
The amount of discounts generated will always be reimbursed to the participating businesses.
To become part of the network of participating establishments where discounts can be redeemed, an email requesting participation in the project should be sent to info@nosotrosreciclamos.es.
At the Avilés Tourist Office, establishments can collect a sticker indicating their participation, and an updated list will be published weekly on the user-accessible page.
Save on your shopping basket with reverse recycling
Instructions for users:
– Touch the touch screen and scan your personal QR code using the reader, which can be requested on the website www.nosotrosreciclamos.es.
– Insert each container so that the reader can scan its barcode.
– Earn 1 cent per container, up to a maximum of 10 cents per day. You can accumulate your points or print them on a discount voucher.
– Redeem the voucher when making a purchase at any of the participating businesses. The more points you accumulate, the greater your savings!
This way, the citizens and businesses of Avilés will contribute to the circular economy and social commitment to the environment.
To promote the operation of the reverse vending machines and expand their knowledge, a video will be shared on social media at the following link:
Next Generation funds
The two machines are the result of a contract co-financed with Next Generation funds from the EU under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism, aligning with policies of ‘Modernization and digitalization of industrial fabric and SMEs, recovery of tourism,’ and promotion of commerce in tourist areas.
The mixed contract, awarded for €35,485, includes tasks related to the supply of machines and services. The supply entails the delivery and installation of the two machines, while the services are associated with managing them over a twelve-month period, including maintenance, management of discount vouchers, and handling of containers deposited inside (collection, storage, and subsequent delivery to the entity responsible for processing).
It should be noted that the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism has granted the Avilés City Council a grant of €1,543,021 to improve the competitiveness of the commercial sector through a project that includes 18 initiatives to boost commerce and tourism in the city, budgeted at €1,928,777. In addition to this recycling initiative, there are other initiatives ranging from applications to improve food safety, refrigerated Click & Collect lockers, development of a multi-platform technological application for online sales, to the implementation of energy audits in hospitality establishments and hotels that prioritize sustainability and hold distinctive seals or certificates such as ‘Quality Management for Small Businesses’ and ‘Hospitality #ForTheClimate,’ distinctions that will remain valid as long as they are adhered to and the conditions of participation are maintained.
FUENTE