A Malaysian technology company has earned a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s thinnest reverse vending machine with a compaction feature. The machine, developed by Atlas Vending, is only 35 centimeters (13.77 inches) thick but offers much more than its slim design.
Unlike regular vending machines that sell snacks or drinks, this new device—called the Atlas Ecopod—collects used plastic bottles and aluminum cans. It then compresses the items to save space and rewards users for recycling. The rewards can be in the form of money, coupons, or other incentives.
The Ecopod uses artificial intelligence to detect whether the item inserted is a plastic bottle or a metal can. If the item qualifies, the machine crushes it and stores it inside. This feature helps reduce waste and encourages people to recycle more often.
Atlas Vending has been in the vending business since 1980. With over 45 years of experience, the company now leads the market for vending solutions in Asia. The Ecopod is part of Atlas’s effort to fight the growing problem of single-use waste.
This machine is also part of a Malaysian government program to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Y.B. Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, praised the invention. He said the achievement goes beyond just a corporate award. It supports a national plan to build a greener economy.
Plastic waste remains a serious issue worldwide. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, people buy one million plastic bottles every minute. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or the ocean, harming both wildlife and human health.
Experts warn that microplastics—tiny plastic particles that come from larger plastic waste—have even entered the human body. This shows how widespread the problem has become.
The Atlas Ecopod offers a small but powerful solution. By making recycling easier and more rewarding, it may help reduce waste and protect the environment for future generations.
