For a fourth consecutive year, Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments are offering the chance to win VIP experiences at some of the UK’s best-known attractions in exchange for empty plastic bottles.
The partnership “continues to incentivise and encourage recycling via reverse vending machines situated at the attractions,” stated Merlin with over 175,000 plastic bottles recycled so far.
The vending machines will be in circulation at most Merlin attractions this summer, including Alton Towers Resort, Legoland Windsor Resort and Thorpe Park.
“From a single recycled bottle to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Coca-Cola and Merlin are making sustainability fun and rewarding for families across the UK,” expanded Merlin.
Through recycling an empty 500ml plastic bottle at one of the specially designed reverse vending machines located across Merlin Entertainments UK attractions, people will be in with a chance of winning a prize experience.
And this year’s initiative sees VIP prizes won at Cadbury World including a Cadbury Character Afternoon Tea. “This new location builds on the incredible list of Merlin Attractions where visitors can win big again, as well as doing their bit for the environment, described Merlin.”
A dozen Merlin attractions participating in the initiative
12 Merlin Attractions will be providing prizes for lucky winners to enjoy, such as a VIP experience and behind the scenes tour in Sharkbait Reef at Alton Towers Resort, a VIP Giraffe Encounter at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, a Snorkelling with Sharks Experience at SEA LIFE Blackpool, plus conquering the 127ft climb of one of the UK’s tallest roller-coasters, The Swarm at Thorpe Park.
“Encourage sustainable habits while creating magical memories.”
Elodie Peribere, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Great Britain: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Merlin Entertainments for a fourth year, turning recycling into an exciting opportunity for families and thrill seekers across the UK to win fantastic prizes. The reverse vending machines are a fun and impactful way to encourage sustainable habits while creating magical memories.”
Sarah Kilgannon, Head of Partnerships UK, at Merlin said: “At Merlin, we’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences in ways that are both responsible and sustainable. Partnering with Coca-Cola for a fourth year allows us to reward families for making environmentally conscious choices – turning something as simple as recycling a bottle into something extraordinary. With Cadbury World joining the initiative in 2025, we’re excited to expand the impact of this campaign and inspire even more guests to join us on our sustainability journey.”
Offering guests the chance to be part of the action and enter between the 1st July and 7th September 2025, 30 reverse vending machines will be on site at 12 participating Merlin Entertainments attractions.
Staff members will assist the whereabouts of the machines at the attraction or using the individual attraction’s app, guiding guests through the parks to recycle their bottles and enter the VIP competition via a website printed on the receipt after recycling.
Locations include Cadbury World, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, SEA LIFE aquariums in Blackpool, Birmingham, Brighton and London, The Blackpool Tower, Thorpe Park, and Warwick Castle.
Images: Merlin
