Reading College and University Centre has become the first educational institution in the UK to install an innovative recycling unit that will help prepare students for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) while supporting the college’s commitment to sustainability.
The TrovrQUBE, a smart, self-service recycling unit for PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans, has been installed at the Kings Road campus as part of a pilot initiative to encourage recycling, reduce waste and familiarise students with the deposit return process ahead of the national scheme launching in October 2027.
The installation supports Activate Learning’s commitment to sustainable learning environments, while giving students practical experience of the circular economy and the environmental policies that will shape everyday life in the coming years.
Philip Waddup, Group Director of Property, Environment and Sustainability at Activate Learning, said: “We believe this initiative can make a real difference to our college community and reinforce Activate Learning’s commitment to delivering green and sustainable college campuses.
“It’s a fantastic example of how collaboration can turn an idea into meaningful action, and of how we’re working with colleagues across the organisation to identify and deliver practical initiatives that reduce our environmental impact and engage our students and staff in positive sustainable behaviour.
“Small actions, when taken collectively, can make a significant impact on our environment and we hope this inspires our college communities to make recycling a regular habit while supporting a more sustainable future.”
Students can now deposit empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans into the unit, receiving a printed receipt that mirrors the process they will experience once the national Deposit Return Scheme is introduced. While no monetary deposit is currently returned, the initiative helps build awareness and positive recycling habits ahead of the legislation coming into force.
The TrovrQUBE automatically scans barcodes, identifies eligible containers and securely stores recyclable materials, while collecting valuable data that enables the college to monitor recycling participation, track return rates and estimate carbon savings generated through the initiative.
Andrew Emberson-Poole, Group Designer and Sustainability Champion at Activate Learning, said: “This project demonstrates how a simple idea can grow into an innovative sustainability initiative. What started as an initial fact-finding conversation with Janne Jarvis, West Suffolk Councillor, has grown into the installation of our first TrovrQUBE at Reading College and University Centre, making us the first educational institution in the UK to introduce this technology.
“Introducing the TrovrQUBE is a practical way of encouraging positive environmental behaviours while helping learners understand the UK’s upcoming Deposit Return Scheme. It gives our students the opportunity to play an active role in reducing waste while preparing them for the changes that will become part of everyday life in the future.”
The UK’s Deposit Return Scheme will require a 20p deposit to be added to eligible drinks containers, with customers able to reclaim the deposit by returning empty containers to registered return points.
Once the scheme is introduced, organisations such as colleges will be able to register as voluntary return points. Participating sites will receive handling fees for each container returned, creating an opportunity to generate income that can be reinvested into sustainability projects, student initiatives or charitable causes.
Nick Yeatman, CEO and Founder of Trovr, said: “We’re delighted that Reading College and University Centre has become the first educational institution in the UK to install a TrovrQUBE. Educational settings have an important role to play in preparing communities for the Deposit Return Scheme and helping establish the recycling habits that will support its long-term success.
“By introducing the technology ahead of the scheme’s launch, Activate Learning is giving students practical experience while demonstrating how colleges can become active participants in the UK’s future recycling infrastructure.”
The installation follows successful deployments across several European countries and forms part of Trovr’s wider UK rollout in advance of the Deposit Return Scheme.
As one of the UK’s leading Further Education groups, Activate Learning continues to invest in initiatives that support environmental sustainability, develop future-ready skills and empower students to make a positive impact within their communities.
