The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi, along with ADNOC Distribution, has launched the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), which encourages individuals to recycle used plastic bottles and aluminium cans.
The new initiative aims to increase sustainability in the UAE as well as reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles and aluminium cans in Abu Dhabi.
Rather than throwing away the bottles and cans, people can download the 'Go Recapp' App, and similar to a vending machine where items are bought, individuals can recycle their used plastic bottles and aluminium cans and gain rewards through the service.
The rewards can then be redeemed at various stores in the city.
The initiative aims to recycle 50% of the single-use plastic bottles in Abu Dhabi, which amounts to 7,500 tonnes of plastic.
The machines will be available at all ADNOC stations by the end of July.
An electronic alert will be sent out to a dedicated recycling collection agent once the machine is full, to collect and transport bottles and cans to a local recycling centre.