simpler recycling that works for community
Recycling rates across the UK are plateauing—hovering around 44–45% in 2023—despite growing ambitions to reduce waste (gov.uk, March 2025). In England, it’s around 44.0%, Scotland about 42.1%, and Wales leads at 57.0%. Meanwhile, contamination—the wrong items in recycling—still causes costly rejections at sorting depots (Local Government Association stats).
With recycling infrastructure under pressure and delays to new deposit return schemes (DRS), communities need simpler recycling solutions that work here and now.
what makes Bottld RVMs ideal for communities and councils
- simpler everyday recycling
Bottld machines are compact, vending machine size units perfect for transport hubs, leisure centres, schools and community venues—making recycling as easy as recycling at home. - cleaner recycling, right from the start
With auto-recognition of plastic type and rejection of unsuitable items, Bottld eliminates common contamination issues and drives down costs for councils. - dual-stream capacity
Accepts both plastic bottles and aluminium cans; requires no barcodes and neatly sorts by material. - positive impact, visible results
Communities see recurring action, not just words. Bottld RVMs engage residents in tangible sustainability, reinforcing recycling habits in real time.
wider pressures … and how Bottld helps
Councils are under pressure from multiple directions:
- recycling is too often contaminated, leading to wasted collection and reprocessing costs.
- some local authorities (e.g., Portsmouth) report contamination rates as high as 16%, compared to the national median of around 6% (Portsmouth data, 2024).
- with recycling plants closing and DRS delayed, there’s mounting demand for accessible, effective solutions.
Bottld RVMs are designed to meet this challenge—providing low-cost, high-integrity recycling that works independently of DRS rollout.
how Bottld supports council goals
| Challenge | How Bottld Helps |
|---|---|
| flat recycling rates | makes recycling visible and habitual in public spaces |
| high landfill use and/or incineration | reduces contamination through automated material recognition & acceptance/rejection |
| resource strain on waste services | data managed RVMs emptied on demand by Bottld – outside of main waste management |
| unpredictable DRS timelines | a solution that works now—and integrates with future schemes |
| funding and community engagement | an opportunity for sponsorship from ethical local partners |
fundable, flexible, future-ready
getting a Bottld RVM doesn’t have to mean big upfront spending. It could be funded via:
- environmental or community grants
- partnerships with producers or recycling schemes
- leasing options to spread costs over time
This makes Bottld RVMs highly accessible—even for councils with tight budgets.
benefits for your area
the system adapts to DRS when it arrives—or thrives independently before then
- residents get streamlined, user-friendly recycling in everyday spaces
- councils get cleaner, more efficient material collection
- communities get visible proof of sustainability in action
ready to explore?
Let’s find the right local spot together—where recycling needs a boost and visibility matters. Whether you want a pilot placement or a broader rollout, Bottld can deliver smarter, cleaner recycling that works.