Getting deposit-return ready: What retailers need to know when buying a reverse vending machine 

“Acting early ensures a store can meet its collection obligations in time for the DRS launch. In Ireland, the bigger supermarkets here all have reverse vending machines, and we are happy to see smaller retailers enjoying more and more the benefits of automation.”

In agreement was Dorin Mihai, Managing Director of TOMRA Collection in Romania, where DRS was launched in November 2023. Romania's retailers have the legal obligation to receive containers, regardless of store size, and they can also choose whether to collect drink containers through automation or manually.

“When DRS was set for Romania, it was new and unfamiliar for many retailers,” said Dorin Mihai. 

Automated bottle and can collection for retailers

Some retailers choose to collect drink containers manually, though this can take space and time, and be subject to human error. Stores need to count containers, check if they are eligible, issue deposit refunds, and log what has been returned. Store staff must also sort the containers so the different materials (e.g. PET plastic, aluminum and/or glass) are separated ready for collection, and must use valuable retail floorspace on storing uncompacted containers.

In contrast, automating drinks container collection with an RVM can save precious time and free up staff resources. The machines check, sort and store the materials, issue refunds, generate reports and for deposits and handling fee clearing and log all the data electronically. They also compact (crush) containers, requiring less store space to be spent on container storage and less frequent emptying of storage bins since more containers can fit in – particularly vital for smaller stores with little backroom storage space.

Retailers of all sizes can find an RVM to suit their needs, from large supermarkets processing high volumes, to smaller convenience stores that need a compact machine to preserve valuable space on the sales floor.

Automated take-back removes the potential for human error so retailers can be sure that accurate deposits and handling fees are paid out. It also reduces potential for fraud, as RVMs reject ineligible containers, and ensure deposits can only be redeemed once (by crushing/shredding or securely storing containers).

By making the process quick, easy, convenient and accurate, automation gives retailers' customers a positive container return experience, which encourages them back into the store, builds customer loyalty, and gives stores an opportunity to differentiate. 

What to know when buying a reverse vending machine – helping retailers choose

When Andrew Boyle began approaching retailers to discuss RVM options, he was mindful that he was asking them to make big decisions around technology that was completely new to them.

“Retailers should choose an RVM partner who will take the time to understand their space and needs, and advise on the size and specifications of a machine that’s right for them. It’s my job to identify opportunities for them and provide retailers with the best machine possible,” he explains.

“For example: small space? TOMRA B5 is a user-friendly, compact, entry-level machine. Is your site the only return point in a community, with high foot traffic? Maybe TOMRA T70 Dual is a better option. It’s also a freestanding and compact machine, and with a slightly bigger footprint offers more internal storage capacity and its two compactors can handle two separate two material types at the same time.”

TOMRA has a large portfolio of reverse vending products – from small entry-level machines for more price-conscious retailers, to more advanced modular solutions for high volumes. Some businesses might even need different RVM types for different locations. For example, TOMRA Collection supplied a hospitality business with a high-volume TOMRA T90 in the public area for customers and a TOMRA M1 (the smallest standalone machine in the market) in its canteen.

Retailers can also prepare for RVM discussions by examining their figures, to help them anticipate return on investment. This includes how many customers come through the door, and how many beverages are sold every year, which can be used to estimate the level of container returns per annum. Retailers can share these statistics with their reverse vending machine partner who will help them make an informed decision about the type of machine to match their needs. 

To help retailers choose the right reverse vending solution, the process typically begins with a store visit where TOMRA’s team evaluates the store’s needs, layout and operational possibilities. This on site assessment ensures we understand factors such as available space, expected container volumes and the retailer’s preferred customer flow, to support efficient operations. Based on these insights, TOMRA creates a tailored technical plan, including detailed AutoCAD/3D drawings of the proposed reverse vending machine placement and the front-end or backroom layout. Once the planning stage is complete, TOMRA prepares a customized offer that outlines the recommended configuration and options best suited to the retailer’s requirements, optimized for both their space and their business needs.

A reverse vending partner you can trust  

TOMRA has over 50 years' experience in deposit return systems, working in more than 40 deposit markets, in every part of the value chain – from reverse vending infrastructure and network operation, to material pick-up and data management.  

TOMRA was founded in 1972 on the innovation of the world’s first fully-automated reverse vending machine, and helping retailers solve the challenge of how to make beverage container returns convenient for both store staff and their customers. Today, TOMRA’s over 91,000 reverse vending machines, in over 60 markets, collect more than 53 billion drink containers for recycling each year. 

With our 50-year track record, TOMRA is a company that retailers can rely upon to deliver a proven, high-quality product and provide the service stores need to keep their container returns operating smoothly and efficiently – both now and in the future. 

TOMRA’s role in a deposit return scheme often grows as the market matures, as TOMRA concretely proves itself as a reliable reverse vending provider with high uptime and availability, and a service partner who is there for stores to ensure consistent service to their customers. 

Cost and features in RVM selection

In some regions and for some products, RVMs are purchased outright by the customer with an additional service package, or offered on an all-inclusive rental basis. In specific markets, return locations get access to an RVM up front and pay a small amount for each container accepted (known as a "throughput lease"). Return locations are sometimes paid a “handling fee” by the deposit return system operator to cover operational costs and investment associated with container returns. Learn more about reverse vending machine pricing.

Reliability and machine longevity stand out as critical priorities when choosing an RVM, such as accommodating weather conditions and avoiding machine downtime. “TOMRA's RVMs have built a strong reputation for enduring performance, designed to handle high-volume returns, and to be perfectly adaptable for indoor and outdoor returns, while minimizing maintenance needs," said Dorin Mihai. 

An array of APIs and digital tools easily integrate TOMRA’s machines into retailers’ digital ecosystems. Data collection, real-time status notifications, guidance, industry-leading security protocols, and the ability to set up digital payouts are all ways this technology enhances the container return experience.  Retailers can even integrate RVMs with their own loyalty schemes, and allow customers to donate their deposit to a chosen charity, boosting customer engagement.

Where do you put a reverse vending machine?

Selecting the best location for an RVM is important when choosing the right reverse vending machine. There are a range of considerations:

• Inside or outside: While many retailers want their RVMs in-store, some retailers place it outside – under a covered shelter within their car parks or forecourts.
• Floorspace: The ideal machine size if influenced by a store’s footprint and desired storage capacity, and the store layout will determine where machines can be situated.
• Avoiding congestion: Retailers should consider “pinch points”, and choose a location that allows customers to move past the machine freely while others are returning containers.
• Accessibility: Consider ease of access for customers to reach the RVM.
• Power and data: Proximity to a power source and network connectivity is crucial.