Study highlights cost of vending machines

Soda vending machines in schools and other public buildings can run up significant – and often hidden – municipal electricity costs, according to a study released May 3 by Northeastern University’s Public Health Advocacy Institute.

“The Hidden Energy Cost of School Beverage Vending Machines” finds that a typical machine costs $437 for electricity per year. The cost tends to be even higher for older, less-efficient models.

Vending machines may be seldom-used, and virtually overlooked, in less-frequented areas of municipal buildings. The owner of the machine typically operates it without municipal involvement, handling supplies, collections and customer complaints – a situation that can contribute to a lack of awareness about the electricity being used.

The Northeastern study recommends maintaining an accurate count of all vending machines in public buildings – an inventory that many communities currently lack. Once the list is compiled, local officials are encouraged to carefully review all contracts with soda-machine owners.

The study’s first recommendation is to phase out refrigerated vending machines altogether by not renewing contracts. An alternative is to insist on language in any contract renewal that requires the owner to pay an estimated electricity cost annually per machine.

If these two options are not feasible, local officials are advised to insist that the machines be replaced with more energy-efficient models.