Almost 6000 single use cans and bottles returned through EcoVend at British Grand Prix

EcoVend by Reconomy has announced 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 its collaboration with Silverstone as its exclusive RVM provider, with the machines helping to prevent the littering of single use cans and bottles by capturing high quality materials for recycling at one of the world's biggest and most loved sporting venues. During the event, almost 6000 single use cans and bottles were deposited by spectators, with the equivalent handling fee value being donated to Silverstone's chosen charities. 

The UK's Deposit Return Scheme is one of the most significant recycling reforms in a generation and public participation will be one of the defining factors in its success. Demonstrating how the scheme will work in real world settings ahead of the launch will be essential to building public awareness, inspiring confidence and encouraging the right behaviours. Events such as the British Grand Prix, which attracted 564,000 fans across the four day event – making it the largest attended Formula 1 event in history – provide an ideal platform for consumers to experience DRS in practice. EcoVend's RVMs will also feature at MotoGP and CarFest at Silverstone later this summer, giving further spectators the opportunity to learn about DRS. 

More broadly, as one of the UK's leading operators of RVMs, EcoVend is helping both consumers and businesses prepare for implementation. It provides practical, experience led support to help retailers and return point operators identify the right machines for their location, understand storage and collection requirements, and prepare for the operational demands of the scheme. Alongside this, it is helping build wider public awareness through demonstrations, technical briefings and industry events.

Beyond DRS, the supplier continues to support Silverstone's wider sustainability ambitions as it works towards ensuring 65% of its waste is recycled by 2026. 

Travis Way, managing director at EcoVend by Reconomy, commented: ‘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, added: ‘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 thecontinued support and look forward to growing our collective impact.’