NatWest is launching a new initiative involving the installation of ‘reverse vending machines’ designed to promote the recycling of old credit and debit cards. This innovative approach aims to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste generated by such cards, with research indicating that the UK has produced over 380 tonnes of plastic card waste since 2017—an amount comparable to the weight of 211 stampeding elephants.
The reverse vending machines provide a secure and environmentally friendly solution for disposing of unused plastic cards, of which an estimated 65 million are currently sitting idle in homes, wallets, and bags across the country. In addition to accepting credit and debit cards, these machines will also facilitate the recycling of card readers and plastic bottles.
The initial locations for these machines will be at Victoria Place and Canary Wharf Shopping Centres in London, with additional units set to be installed at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, in collaboration with the NHS.
This initiative follows a similar pilot program launched by Santander in December, which allows the public to drop off expired or unused plastic cards at select UK branches.
Alison Rose, CEO of NatWest Group, encourages residents and visitors in London to search for any outdated plastic cards and participate in this important effort to reduce plastic pollution in the capital.