If you happen to be walking outside of the dining hall adjacent to the Ozzi reusable receptacle machine and notice a futuristic character ready to snatch that recyclable from you, don’t worry–you’re still in the year 2024.

It’s a new initiative aimed at encouraging recycling across Cleveland State University’s campus that makes it fun and easy for everyone to get involved. 

Even better, CSU made history by becoming the first public-facing university in Ohio to have such a machine, continuing CSU’s momentum with being a trendsetter for innovative campus technology.

Known as a reverse vending machine, the same machine that dispenses soft drinks also accepts the empty can or plastic bottle to recycle. Once the empty vessel is deposited, the machine satisfies its appetite by crushing the materials and dropping them into a small container. Once full, the container is emptied, and the process begins again.

So, how exactly did this all come about?

“In CSU’s new partnership with Coca-Cola, we were looking for ways to highlight sustainability,” said Director of Hospitality Services, Luke Robson. “Nick VandeVelde, CSU’s Associate Vice President of Hospitality and Facility Services had experience with a reverse vending machine at a previous employer. We were immediately excited about the opportunity, and it was our collaboration with Coca-Cola that made it happen!”

VandeVelde previously worked at the Florida Aquarium and liked the engagement between the customers and reverse vending machine down south. That’s when he thought it would be a great idea to incorporate it here at CSU.

“This machine reminds people of the importance of recycling and will hopefully keep it as part of choosing to recycle for our students,” he said. “We have recycle bins in each building that will support their thought process of recycling appropriately and another unique aspect is that it keeps track of the amount recycled and its impact on environment.”

Robson added it is not only a great way to showcase that CSU is progressive in its partnerships, but also that the campus is very serious about promoting sustainability initiatives.

“I really hope that folks leverage the capabilities of the reverse vending machine and do their part to improve CSU’s sustainability efforts.”