Move over recycling bin, here comes the Dream Machine

This week, the Office of University Sustainability introduced the FIU community to the Dream Machine, a computerized recycling kiosk.

Folks can recycle their cans and bottles and earn reward points redeemable for local discounts. For every plastic bottle and aluminum can recycled in the reverse vending machine, PepsiCo will make a donation to help disabled U.S. veterans get the training they need to start their own businesses.

The goal of the program – created by PepsiCo in collaboration with Waste Management and Keep America Beautiful, Inc. – is to increase the amount of bottles and cans recycled by a significant amount. Currently, only 34 percent of non-alcoholic bottles and 25 percent of PET plastic bottles are recycled annually. FIU, Pepsi and Waste Management aim to boost that number to 50 percent.

Here’s how the system works:

The machine itself is like a vending machine in reverse. A video screen plays videos, which are updated wirelessly. A user first touches the screen and follows instructions, either to swipe a key fob to track rewards points or to defer registration for later, if at all.

Next the user scans the product barcode, and places the plastic or aluminum bottle (no glass yet) in the proper chute. The machine then spits out a receipt with reward points good for travel or movie tickets, or other benefits, such as coupons for Pepsi products.

Each kiosk can hold about 300 bottles or cans. Waste Management picks up the recyclables when the machine is full.

As of today, there are four Dream Machines at Modesto A. Maidique Campus. Plans are in the works to add one at Biscayne Bay Campus and one at the Engineering Center, if the program is successful.

For more information on the reverse vending machines, visit Facebook.com/DreamMachine.