Ball Aluminum Cups, Copper Mountain Resort and the POWDR Adventure Lifestyle Corp. announced the installation of a Reverse Vending Machine *RVM) at Jack’s Slopeside Grill in February to increase aluminum recycling in the mountain town for the season through April 2024.
Ball Corp., a global sustainable aluminum beverage packaging provider, worked with recycling data collection provider Recycle Track Systems (RTS) to install an RVM powered by RTS’s Cycle platform.
The RVM is essential to Copper Mountain’s broader Play Forever commitment to protect the environment and support the mountain town community. Together, the environmental allies “aim to incentivize increased recycling rates at one of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts and educate consumers about the benefits of using aluminum.”
Guests can insert their Ball Aluminum Cup, aluminum can or aluminum bottle into the front of the machine, which then uses a conveyor belt to scan, crush and sort the aluminum packaging. Once sorted, users can scan a QR code and could receive Play Forever merchandise.
“Installing the reverse vending machine at Copper Mountain Resort is an incredible opportunity to incentivize recycling and educate consumers about aluminum’s sustainable properties to help protect one of Colorado’s beloved mountain towns,” Ball Aluminum Cups Vice President of Commercial Michelle Fick said. “At Ball, we recognize the power of ski resorts and other outdoor adventure centers to drive change and believe interacting with the RVM will encourage guests to make more sustainable everyday choices while enhancing their experience at the resort.”
The Cycle-powered RVM installation will aid Copper Mountain Resort’s existing waste diversion efforts. At the end of the season, the Cycle-powered RVM will be able to provide metrics on the quantity, type and mass of aluminum recycled.
“At Copper Mountain Resort, we’re excited to reinforce our commitment to sustainability by introducing this reverse vending machine. In collaboration with partners like Ball and Recycle Track Systems, we’re revolutionizing recycling practices and engaging our community in a meaningful way,” said Jeff Grasser, Copper Mountain senior resort operations and sustainability manager. “Together, through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire and reward participants, fostering a collective passion for a more sustainable future.”
“RTS is excited to enhance our collaboration with Ball Aluminum Cup at Copper Mountain, bringing our Cycle Reverse Vending Machines to the forefront of eco-innovation,” Recycle Track Systems CEO Gregory Lettieri said. “This partnership is a testament to our mutual dedication to the environment and making recycling an engaging and meaningful activity. Beyond just reducing waste, we’re fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among visitors, showcasing the real-world impact of our collective efforts. It’s a step towards redefining environmental responsibility, blending sustainability seamlessly with the great outdoors.”
Infinitely recyclable and economically valuable, aluminum is the most sustainable beverage packaging material, and like aluminum cans, aluminum cups, cans, and bottles can be recycled and back on a store shelf in about 60 days.
The Ball Aluminum Cup is made of 90 percent recycled content, the highest recycled content rate of any beverage packaging in its category and is available in 5 different sizes. In addition to its sustainability and recycling strengths, the aluminum cup is lightweight, sturdy and cool to the touch.
Images courtesy Ball
