They’re a fixture in so many businesses around the country: vending machines. Whether you’re at work, school, or the gym, you probably pass by one at least once a day.
But have you ever wondered if vending machines can be recycled?
The answer: absolutely.
At first, recycling a vending machine might seem like an impossible task and in fact is often done incorrectly. However, here is a list of just some of the materials that can be recycled from a single vending machine:
The bulbs
The coin and bill changer
· The compressor, which is made of steel and copper, and contains oils.
The radiator, which is made of multiple materials such as steel, copper and aluminum.
The circuit board
The motor
Refrigerants. These are the gases which keep the contents cold.
The key to recycling these machines and others like them (such as refrigerators and air conditioners) is attention to detail. Simply crushing them and grinding them at a standard scrap yard doesn't do the trick because the gases, oils, bulbs and related nasties need to be treated first. The cool part is when done properly, these hazardous components are easily recycled.
How do you make sure the recycling is being done right? Make sure the facility you are using is certified to evacuate refrigerants, and ask to see documentation verifying where everything went. Your efforts on this front reward the good guys and of course ensure a healthy environment.
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