Reverse Recycle It! Making a difference this summer with Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments

Something I want to talk more about this year, and truthfully, years to come, is recycling. 

In our house, it’s incredibly important that we purchase products with recycling in mind. And I’d really like to continue reducing the amount of plastic we consume on a day to day basis. And if we do, consuming it mindfully. 

Which is why when we buy products like Diet Coke (my ultimate fave) or Coca-Cola that come in bottles or cans, I always make sure we recycle them when we’re home. If we can’t find recycling spots out and about, we end up bringing them home to ensure we can. 

And because it’s so important to me, it’s amazing to see that around the UK brands like Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments are partnering to make recycling super accessible for their visitors, and also fun.

We popped up to Thorpe Park on a sunny afternoon. Our sights set on a day starting with exploring their rides! I’ve never been to Thorpe Park before and after a series of trips this year to theme parks in the States, I’m glad I finally set my sights on exploring my local one.

Of course, we always start with the rides. We braved The Walking Dead (would 10/10 definitely not be around if zombies attack by the way) and Nemesis Inferno (yes, I totally dragged Joe onto it)! Then we had to have a cheeky game or two… before moving onto the food. I was tempted to get a burger but I really wanted to get a falafel wrap and chips – exactly what we did! Anytime I go to a theme park, I absolutely must get fries. It’s my little personal foodie tradition.

From adventurous rides to leisurely strolling with our falafels and chips, there’s one thing left that I bet you might have guessed I wanted to chat about from this post title… their recycling!

Around the park, weaved in-between the roller coasters and the crowds of excited park goers, Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments are encouraging guests to recycle. Where there are rubbish bins to be found, there are also recycling bins.

They encourage park goers to use mindfully with fill up stations throughout the park too. There are fill up stations where you can get refills on your drinks. It’s so handy, rather than worrying about buying multiple bottles. I love that! 

And the rewards for recycling continue because this is the big one… Coca-Cola have partnered up with Merlin Entertainments to offer 50% discount at their Reverse Recycle Vending Machines across Merlin Entertainments locations across the UK.

Recycle an empty plastic bottle at the machines and you’re given a 50% voucher code for tickets on your next visit! Check out my latest Instagram post to see it in action here.

The initiative launched last year and has extended to more locations this season in response to super positive consumer feedback and demand. I can totally see why!

Available now, 23 machines are leading UK Merlin Entertainment locations, including faves like Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park Resort (our closest park) Chessington World of Adventures Resort and the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. This year the reverse recycle vending machines have extended to new sites including SEA LIFE Blackpool and Warwick Castle Resort.

With the rest of the summer season in full swing, it’s amazing for adventure seekers to be able to do good for the community. The added encouragement to recycle and being offered these codes is an amazing bonus for extra fun!

I’m especially keen to get in a few visits before the Fright Nights at Halloween. Because while I may get a buzz from recycling… it’s also great to get a little bonus with a reverse recycle reward too! 

So let me know – are you an avid recycler too? Let me know your best tips and tricks for recycling below, there’s always so much to learn! 

Kelly xx

PS. This post is sponsored in collaboration with Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments but all photos, words, and opinions are my own. And don’t forget to recycle!