The Russian Environmental Operator (REO) has launched a nationwide initiative, in collaboration with partners, to install free vending machines at universities across the country for collecting recyclable materials. A televised report from TV channel 360 highlighted the program, noting that every plastic bottle and aluminum can dropped into the machines will earn users rewards within a dedicated mobile app. These bonuses can later be redeemed for promotional codes and discounts offered by partner organizations, creating a tangible incentive for participation.
The campaign aims to build a robust network of recycling points on campus, with the goal of raising environmental awareness among students, faculty, and the broader Russian public. Officials indicate plans to place vending machines at dozens of universities in various regions, with no predefined limit on expansion. Denis Butsaev, the managing director of REO, emphasized that volunteers will support the rollout and that more than 100 environmental education events focused on waste handling and circular economy concepts will be organized as part of the effort.
Institutions participating in the program are expected to collect a significant amount of recyclable material, with targets ranging from five to twenty bags of recyclables per campus before submission for processing and recycling. The scheme is designed to provide a clear, measurable path for campuses to contribute to national recycling goals while engaging students in hands-on environmental stewardship.
The campaign builds on a broader trend observed in recent years, with more Russians increasingly delivering plastic bottles for recycling. By anchoring these efforts in university settings, the program seeks to normalize sustainable habits early and demonstrate the social value of recycling through real rewards and community involvement.