You might have come across certain “reverse” vending machines that allow discounts on purchases when fed with discarded plastic, cans and the like. If you aren’t aware of the concept of “reverse” vending machines then check out the Envirobank’s Reverse Vending Machines. The ecoATM is a similar machine but instead of trash it takes in electronics (particularly cellphones), to dispense instant cash.

ecoATM has brought this forward in order to motivate people to responsibly discard off cellphones they do not need, while receiving a value for it. Recycling gets cash-tastic! The machine is capable of recognizing the model and condition, both by visual and digital methods, and thus assesses the value of the used phone.

The station upon activation walks you through certain steps as shown on the screen. Basically the user is instructed to place the phone in a chamber, wherein multiple tests take place, upon completion of which the phone is accepted by the machine. The user then receives cash back instantaneously.

The current prototype of ecoATM promotes recycling of both cellphones and MP3 players. In the future the list is supposed to include digital cameras, gaming consoles, GPS etc. If you are lucky you might just see one active at your local store or mall, because that is where they have been targeted to be set up. Attached video shows how the ecoATM functions.

Popsci