The Recycle and Reward pilot scheme launched on Monday 6 May at the Edinburgh Campus.
The pilot project, part of the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Scotland programme, aims to encourage recycling. Heriot-Watt is one of nine organisations involved in the project.
Students, staff and visitors to the university will pay a fully refundable 10 pence deposit on drinks, bottles and cans bought in campus catering outlets and vending machines*.
When customers return the bottle or can in the Recycle and Reward machine they receive a voucher which can be exchanged for a cash refund of the deposit, used for a future purchase* or donated to the Student Union RAG charity.
Professor Steve Chapman, Heriot-Watt University Principal, said: "We are delighted to be taking part in this pilot project. I am sure that the Reward and Recycle scheme will make it easier for our students, staff and visitors to recycle their bottles and cans.
"We hope that participating in this, and the many other environmental initiatives we are involved in, will continue to reduce the University's carbon footprint."
How it works
- From Monday 6 May, all PET plastic drinks containers and aluminium cans sold on the Edinburgh Campus* carry a fully refundable 10 pence deposit.
- After having consumed the beverage do not crush the container, and make sure that the deposit sticker is still on each container.
- Return your container to one of the four Recycle and Reward machines located throughout the Campus.
- Collect your deposit or donate it to the Student Union RAG charity by pressing the donate button.
- Present the deposit receipt provided by the Recycle and Reward machine at any shop or café on campus.*
- Spend your deposit in a café or shop* or collect your deposit in cash at the till.
- Containers purchased outside of the Campus can also be returned at the Recycle and Reward machines. Yet no deposit will be paid out.
Where are the machines?
- Lower floor of the Hugh Nisbet Building, outside the Student Union shop
- Upper floor of the Hugh Nisbet Building, in Central
- Foyer of the Student Union building
- Inside the Centre for Sport and Exercise (PET plastic only)
*With the exception of the Bistro at Edinburgh Business School.