Vending

Reverse vending machines infested with wasps

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August 30, 2024

People in Westmeath County, Ireland are finding themselves fending off swarms of wasps when trying to deposit bottles and cans into reverse vending machines, according to an Irish Mirror report.

Wasps are attracted to reverse vending machines because of traces of sugary substances left in the containers. Some retailers have begin posting signs warning users about the insects.

"I've never seen so many people going to the bottle machines and being terrified of getting stung," Kevin Moran, member of Westmeath County Council, told the news outlet. "Today alone, two people told me that they'd brought their bottles to the machine and had to bring them home again. "Some people are doing their recycling early in the morning or late in the evening, trying to avoid the wasps. Other people are so frightened, they've given up altogether and they're throwing containers in the bin."