With the aim of circulating recyclable waste on campus and raising awareness of waste classification at source among students, staff and learners. Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (UEH) in collaboration with Botol Vietnam Co., Ltd. launched “i Ve Chai Machine” (Who collects bottles?) – an automatic scrap collection machine including plastic bottles and aluminum cans on the green university campus. Automatic scrap collecting machine – “i Ve Chai Machine” (Who collects bottles?)
The birth of “i Ve Chai Machine” (Who collects bottles?) – A new step forward in applying technology to the closed recycling waste circulation system at UEH
Realizing the situation of a large amount of plastic bottles and cans not being properly classified and ending their life cycle in landfills, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics in collaboration with Botol Vietnam Co., Ltd. – the sole member of the Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance (PRO Vietnam) – launched an automatic scrap collecting machine located at facilities aiming to recycle 100% of plastic bottles and cans discarded from UEH campus.
Botol representative introduces “i Ve Chai Machine” on the launching day
The special name “i Ve Chai Machine” is inspired by the typical cry of the scrap collectors: “Who collects bottles?” associated with the lives and memories of many people. Born with the affectionate name, “i Ve Chai Machine” is expected to be a scrap collecting device that brings familiarity and closeness to UEHer like the way the scrap collectors are still diligently collecting each plastic bottle and aluminum can every day. In addition, the character “i” also stands for “intelligent”, symbolizing innovation and technological development applied to the machine in collecting and processing plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
And not just a place to store plastic bottles and aluminum cans waiting for transportation, “i Ve Chai Machine” – also known as “Recycling Machine” (Reverse Vending Machine – RVM) is also a miniature factory with the function of mechanically processing products. After receiving plastic bottles or aluminum cans, the machine will decompose and grind the product into small pieces on the spot, helping to shorten the conversion process from waste bottles to new bottles, from 11 traditional steps to only 3 steps. This not only increases storage space and reduces waste management for the process of transporting products to the factory, but also saves electricity, water and reduces waste thanks to the elimination of many stages compared to traditional methods.
Automatic scrap collection machine with labels classifying bottles/cans after crushing
In addition, for each bottle or can collected by the machine, users will earn points in the BOTOL app based on the quantity and convert it into money that can be withdrawn to Zalo Pay or VNPay wallets along with lucky spin programs to receive attractive gifts.
Students participate in spinning the wheel of fortune after plastic bottles/aluminum cans are collected
UEHer’s awareness raising process on waste classification at source
Recently, the launching event of “i Ve Chai Machine” (Who collects bottles?) was held on August 5, 2024 at campus B and August 6, 2024 at campus N with the participation of many students, staff and learners. UEHers not only experienced the Automatic Scrap Collecting Machine but also participated in other outstanding activities such as spinning the wheel of fortune and receiving gifts from the Botol brand.
