Rather than dispensing drinks or snacks, a machine in Shanghai is hungry for empty cans, papers and plastic bottles. The device, which has seven recycling bins and a touch screen, can immediately display the amount of trash people have thrown in and the amount of money they will receive. / VCG Photo

After swallowing the offerings, the machine can spit out money and coupons in return. / VCG Photo

People can get 50 cents for each plastic bottle, and 80 cents for each kilogram of plastic or metal. / VCG Photo

It is estimated by China Power, an electricity producer, that the total utilization of major renewable resources in China by 2021 will reach 325 million tons, and the future value may exceed one trillion yuan. The firm makes money by selling machines and through the recycling chain, according to the company. /VCG Photo