Almost 6,000 single-use cans and bottles returned via EcoVend by Reconomy RVMs at British Grand Prix
EcoVend by Reconomy, a circular economy specialist, reports that its reverse vending machines (RVMs) saw strong public engagement in the fan zone during the recent Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix at Silverstone, giving spectators the opportunity to experience how the UK's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will work ahead of its launch in October 2027.
This marks the third year of EcoVend’s collaboration with Silverstone as its exclusive RVM provider. During the 2026 event, almost 6,000 single-use cans and bottles were deposited by spectators, with the equivalent handling fee value being donated to Silverstone's chosen charities.
Travis Way, Managing Director at EcoVend by Reconomy, comments: "We were delighted to see such high levels of engagement at the largest attended Formula 1 event in history. Spectators from across the globe told our teams how easy they found it to separate in-scope materials and to redeem deposits, highlighting that strong public engagement and driving behaviour change will be fundamental to making the UK's Deposit Return Scheme a success. With the scheme now moving rapidly from policy design to practical implementation, we look forward to continuing to work with Silverstone and other businesses to support its successful implementation, transform recycling rates and accelerate the transition to a more circular economy."
Sophie Ellis, ESG Impact Manager at Silverstone, says: “To have such a positive reception of EcoVend’s Reverse Vending Machines, from fans of different ages and backgrounds, is both promising and exciting. As part of our mission to lead the way as a sustainable business and leisure destination, our passionate fans are a key group that we need to involve in all of our sustainable initiatives. It is hard to make the topic of waste and recycling fun and engaging, which is something I believe EcoVend have nailed - we are grateful for their continued support and look forward to growing our collective impact."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
