Joining a growing nationwide push to turn trash into cash and reduce plastic pollution, Paro launched its first reverse vending machine yesterday. The machine was officially opened on Saturday at the Children’s Park in Paro town. This follows the success of similar installations in Gelephu and Phuentshogling.
Ucykal, a waste management company and Paro District Administration installed the machine in collaboration with Paro Municipal Office. According to Ucykal, in over a year of installing the machines, it disbursed more than Nu 12 M to users who returned bottles through its machines.
“Together, we have collected nearly five million containers in just over a year. The success is not about generating revenue; it is about reducing littering, preventing bottles from entering waterways and public spaces, and inculcating a more responsible waste-handling culture,” said Sangay Dorji, the CEO of the Ucykal.
With the official launch in Paro, officials expect these numbers to increase further. The district produces more than 20 tonnes of waste every month, and environmental officials say the machine will play an important role in supporting the Clean Paro Initiative.
“From now on, when people in Paro drink from bottled beverages, instead of throwing the bottles away, bringing them here will contribute to our efforts to control waste in the district,” said Tshewang Norbu, the assistant environment officer.
As soon as the machine was opened to the public, residents began arriving with empty bottles and cans to try it out. To use the machine, users must download the Retearn app to generate a QR code. Bottles and cans, which have QR codes pasted on them upon arrival, are scanned before being inserted into the machine. Sensors then verify the material, accepting plastic bottles, metal cans, and glass bottles, while rejecting unsuitable or oily items. Users earn Nu 2 for each can and Nu 1 for each plastic bottle returned.
Residents welcomed the initiative, saying it offers both environmental and economic benefits.
“I think this will help ease Paro’s waste problem. It will also interest young people, as they can earn money by bringing waste here instead of throwing it into the surroundings,” said Tshering Pem, a resident.
Another resident Tashi Tenzin said, “This is a great initiative. I encourage those who are not aware of it to visit the Children’s Park. I have heard of similar machines in other districts, and an initiative like this is a good opportunity to keep Paro clean.”
Ucykal announced that by March, additional machines will be installed in Bondey, Lamgong, Paro International Airport, the Taktshang base, and the National Museum of Bhutan. The company also plans to roll out reverse vending machines in Thimphu in the coming months.
Karma Samten Wangda, Paro
Edited by Kipchu
