New World Birkenhead has become the first supermarket in the country to trial a reverse vending machine (RVM), letting locals recycle empty drink containers while raising money for nearby schools.

Launched in partnership with TOMRA, the trial aims to test how Aucklanders respond to the technology, which is already common overseas.

The machine takes plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminium cans, using sensors to sort the materials.

Each returned item adds 10 cents to a local school of the customer’s choice, capped at $1,500 per month.

Sandy Botterill from Foodstuffs, the co-operative behind New World, says the team picked Birkenhead because of strong community support for past recycling schemes.

“We’re pretty sure they’ll back the reverse vending machine too, especially with the chance to help out local schools at the same time.”

Kauri Park School principal Thomas Bigge agrees: “It’s a great way to get children thinking about recycling and making a tangible difference in their community.”

Auckland Council and local councillor Richard Hills are backing the initiative, which aligns with the city’s zero-waste goals.

While it's just a trial, it could pave the way for a future nationwide container return scheme.

Fingers crossed a Hibiscus Coast New World is next. Watch the video below to see how it works.

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