Novel recycling concept urged for Athlone area

An Athlone councillor is set to urge Westmeath County Council to trial a 'reverse vending machine' for the return of plastic bottles.
Cllr Louise Heavin has tabled a motion for Monday's meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District calling on the council to 'pilot a reverse vending machine at a suitable location for the return of plastic bottles.'
She told the Westmeath Independent this week that a similar scheme is in operation in Monaghan, in partnership with a local SuperValu.
It involves local residents returning batches of plastic bottles to the machine, in return for a SuperValu voucher.
The machine, located in Carrickmacross, is programmed to recognise barcodes and block non-recyclables.