Vending

Australian city installs refill vending machine for household liquids

Photo: Adobe Stock

May 2, 2025

In a move hailed as a local government first, the City of Cockburn, in Australia, has installed a vending machine at its Aquatic and Recreation Centre that dispenses household and personal care liquids, allowing users to refill their own containers, according to a Perth Now report.

The machine offers soaps, detergents, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and hand wash.

"Our community has told us it wants the city to provide opportunities to help it practice sustainability," Clare Courtauld, City of Cockburn waste education coordinator, told the news outlet.

The initiative aims to reduce waste by encouraging the reuse of containers. The Cockburn ARC sees approximately 1.4 million visitors annually. The refill station provides an accessible option for eco-conscious consumers. The city is also considering a refill reward rebate program for local residents.