Vending

Coca-Cola, Merlin renew reverse vending rewards program

FoodAndPhoto - stock.adobe.com

July 10, 2026

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Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments have renewed their reverse vending machine recycling campaign for a fifth consecutive year, according to a report in the British publication Grocery Gazette, giving visitors to participating U.K. attractions the chance to win VIP experiences in exchange for recycling empty 500ml plastic bottles.

The promotion runs through Sept. 9 and features 30 reverse vending machines installed across 10 Merlin attractions, including Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and several SEA LIFE aquariums.

Guests who recycle a qualifying bottle at one of the machines receive a receipt with instructions for entering a prize drawing. This year's rewards include behind-the-scenes tours of popular rides at Thorpe Park, fast-track access to attractions at Alton Towers Resort, animal encounters at Chessington World of Adventures Resort and exclusive experiences at Warwick Castle and SEA LIFE Blackpool.

Coca-Cola said use of the reverse vending machines increased 18% between 2024 and 2025, reaching nearly 30,000 transactions last year, while hundreds of thousands of bottles have been recycled through the program since its launch.

The partners said the initiative is designed to make recycling more engaging by rewarding sustainable behavior with unique visitor experiences. Coca-Cola and Merlin said the program supports efforts to keep plastic bottles in the circular economy while encouraging families to incorporate recycling into their visits. Visitors can locate the reverse vending machines through attraction staff or the venue's mobile app.