Kids going recycling

Reverse vending machines for bottle and can recycling

Each year, 1.4 trillion beverage containers are used around the world, representing a vast amount of material that can be collected and reused or recycled. If this is done in the right way, we can help protect our planet by minimizing plastic pollution and litter, conserving precious resources like energy and water, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
TOMRA Collection is a leading innovator in the circular economy and Clean Loop Recycling. Founded on the invention of the world's first reverse vending machine, we are now responsible for approximately 80,000 installations across more than 60 markets. From expert advice for reverse vending providers and new deposit return regions to engaging recycling experiences for end-users, you can rely on TOMRA for the best reverse vending machines for collecting aluminum cans and glass and plastic bottles for recycling. 

What is your recycling role?

smiling blonde woman with bag of used beverage containers uses a TOMRA R1 reverse vending machine

About reverse vending

Deposit return systems have achieved return rates of up to 98% of eligible beverage containers in some markets, making a huge positive impact on plastic pollution and container litter. TOMRA reverse vending machines not only facilitate this effect, but also instantly refund the deposit due from bottle and can recycling, as well as offering other benefits. This motivates repeat use and raises collection rates. Reverse vending often becomes part of communities’ everyday routines, so recycling is made convenient, efficient and rewarding.
Image of recyclers at reverse vending machine

What are reverse vending machines?

Reverse vending machines provide an automated method for collecting, sorting and handling the return of used beverage containers for recycling or reuse.
Learn more about reverse vending machines
material bottles PET

The Single-Use Plastics Directive

The automated technology used allows the mass return and processing of containers, while making bottle and can recycling simple and rewarding for recyclers and retailers.
Learn more about the single-use plastics directive

What is the circular economy?

Reverse vending ensures bottles, cans and other containers are recycled in the most effective way and their materials used again and again in a closed loop, helping to preserve precious resources.
Learn more about enabling a circular economy
Clean loop recycling logo
get in the loop

Clean Loop Recycling

Find out how returning containers with TOMRA contributes to the Clean Loop, making a difference to our communities and the planet.
Learn more about clean loop recycling

Why TOMRA?

TOMRA Collection seeks to lead the resource revolution, collecting more than 45 billion containers a year to keep them in the Clean Loop and out of our streets, oceans and landfill. We have been pioneering reverse vending technology for more than 50 years and work with retailers, decision makers, partners and people to continuously innovate, making bottle and can recycling better for everyone.
Three men in suits in front of New South Wales reverse vending machines

For business

TOMRA offers a proven approach with no need for expensive alternative waste systems. Our solutions automate manual tasks to save employee time, save on space and logistics through efficient material compacting and storage, as well as engaging customers and driving footfall.
Image of family on beach

For people

TOMRA's solutions makes bottle and can recycling convenient, clean and efficient, with an instant deposit refund issued to recyclers. We also offer options for other benefits such as retailer offers, donating to charity, or collecting points through retailer loyalty programs.
Hand holding microplastics

For planet

TOMRA works to maximize the value of materials by maintaining their purity and quality, ensuring they can be recycled into new containers, avoiding downgrading and reducing reliance on virgin resources in container production. 
Female employee stocking shelves with water bottles in a store
Discover what tomra solutionS can do for you

For retailers

TOMRA technology uniquely gives you consumer insights, promotional opportunities and notifications that maximize your time and enhance customer experience
Learn more about why TOMRA offers the best solutions for retailers
Image of kids getting containers from car boot
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For recyclers

Our machines give the ultimate user experience, from ensuring container return is clean and efficient, to offering the opportunity to donate your deposit to charity
Learn more about TOMRA benefits for recyclers
Image of picking up containers on beach

A life without litter

Working with beverage containers, TOMRA pays attention to what happens to them. Every year, more than 1.4 trillion beverage containers are sold. 500 billion of those are made of plastic. Only 14% of those containers are collected for recycling, with 40% of plastic packaging sent to landfill, and 32% ending up in nature, as litter. 
#LifeWithoutLitter

News & recycling stories

Latvia launches deposit return system

Latvia's Central System Administrator appointed TOMRA as the reverse vending technology provider for the environmental and circular economy initiative, which sees over 1000 reverse vending machines installed all over the country.
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Kid in gray background holding glass

Get kids involved in recycling

Teach the next generation about drink container recycling and the impact it can have on the planet. Getting them to learn about the environment and sustainability in an enjoyable and interactive way can help inspire future resource revolutionaries.
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Supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service

TOMRA Collection Australia and the Return and Earn deposit return system encouraged consumers to donate their deposit refunds to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service South-Eastern Section in bringing medical care to people living in the outback.
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