For the fifth year running, Merlin Entertainments and Coca-Cola have teamed up to incentivise recycling, offering VIP experiences at UK attractions in exchange for empty bottles.
For a chance to win VIP experiences, guests can recycle empty 500ml plastic bottles at special reverse vending machines located across Merlin's attractions, including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor.
Since the initiative launched, hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles have been recycles through Merlin's reverse vending machines.
Additionally, usage of the machines increased by 18 percent between 2024 and 2025, with nearly 30,000 transactions last year.
Merlin Entertainments and Coca-Cola are offering VIP experiences at UK attractions in exchange for empty bottles
This year, guests can win a new selection of VIP experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours of Saw: The Ride, The Walking Dead: The Ride and Ghost Train at Thorpe Park, as well as fast-track tickets to the new Bluey coaster at Alton Towers.
Returning prizes include a VIP giraffe encounter at Chessington World of Adventures and snorkelling with sharks at Sea Life Blackpool.
"We are a business where play takes the lead, and this partnership is a great example of how we can use the power of our attractions to encourage positive behaviours in a fun and engaging way," said Dare Ilori, VP of global ESG and sustainability at Merlin.
Merlin rewards recycling
"As we celebrate five years of working with Coca-Cola on this scheme, we're delighted to continue giving families even more reasons to enjoy a day out together – combining memorable experiences with a simple action that supports a more sustainable future," he added.
"It's rewarding to see so many guests embracing this scheme, and we look forward to seeing even more participants this summer.”
Between 1 July and 9 September, 30 reverse vending machines will be on site at 10 participating Merlin attractions, as follows:
- Alton Towers
- Chessington World of Adventures
- Thorpe Park
- Legoland Windsor
- Cadbury World
- Warwick Castle
- Sea Life aquariums in Blackpool, Birmingham, Brighton and London
Images courtesy of Merlin Entertainments and Coca-Cola
