Recycling center for bottles and cans

Clean Loop Recycling

Worldwide, around 1.4 trillion bottles and cans are used every year. While some of these containers are recycled, too many of them end up in streets, oceans, landfills and incinerators. At TOMRA, we strive to reduce society’s reliance on raw materials. By making it easy, convenient, and rewarding for people to return their used containers, we enable bottles, cans, and other packaging to be continually recycled in a Clean Loop.
Family using TOMRA R1 reverse vending machine

What part does TOMRA play?

Every year, TOMRA's reverse vending solutions capture more than 46 billion drink containers across the globe. That might sound like a lot, but it’s actually less than 3% of what’s sold annually! By helping you, society's recycling heroes, enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more convenient recycling experience, we hope to bring the remaining 97% into the loop.  
The Clean Loop Recycling logo

What puts the "Clean" in Clean Loop Recycling?

Beverage containers recycled through a reverse vending machine stay clean enough to keep their "food grade" status meaning they can be recycled into new beverage containers. Containers that come into contact with other household waste can be contaminated, so are often downcycled into different products.
FIND OUT MORE

With a reverse vending machine, you get to collect the valuable resources before they get mixed up with other contaminants. If you mix them up with household or industrial waste, you not only have to sort them, you have to cleanse them too.

A man standing in front of a blue circular background in an office building
Steve Han President, TOMRA Korea
Return rate of drinks containers in Norway

When it comes to Clean Loop Recycling, Norway is leading the way!

Regarded as the world role model for beverage container recovery and recycling, Norway’s deposit return system is one of the most efficient in the world. With more than 92% of containers returned to reverse vending machines and around 6% collected through alternative channels, less than 1% of all beverage containers in Norway are littered!

READ THE DEEP DIVE

Frequently asked questions

  • Bottle being returned in deposit return schemes set up
    Bottle being returned in deposit return schemes set up

    How do I use a reverse vending machine?

    It's an easy, fast, and convenient way to recycle. If you want to know how to use a reverse vending machine, you've come to the right place!
    LET'S FIND OUT
  • Retailer showing consumer how to use reverse vending machine
    Retailer showing consumer how to use reverse vending machine

    Where do my drinks containers go?

    What happens after you put a bottle in a reverse vending machine? That's a great question. It depends where you are and what kind of recycling facilities are available. 
    FIND OUT MORE
  • Illustration of DRS white paper globe and containers
    Illustration of DRS white paper globe and containers

    What's DRS and how can it help?

    Deposit return systems provide a simple and smart solution to cutting down waste and reducing plastic pollution.
    LEARN MORE
  • Diverse sizes of PET bottles
    Diverse sizes of PET bottles

    How can deposit return systems reduce carbon emissions?

    Drinks containers made from recycled materials have a smaller carbon footprint than those made from scratch.
    Tell me more
  • Plastic pollution in ocean
    Plastic pollution in ocean

    Yes, it's a big problem.

    That's why we're working to do something about it!
    Take a closer look
  • plastic bag hanging on tree leaf in forest
    plastic bag hanging on tree leaf in forest

    It's the key to tackling the plastic pollution crisis at scale

    The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution provides a unique opportunity to bring about a much-needed transformation in the way we manage and recycle plastic waste.
    READ ABOUT IT
  • Banner promoting business coalition for a global plastics treaty

    We're part of a coalition of businesses calling for a strong Global Plastics Treaty

    Convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, the coalition brings together businesses and financial institutions committed to supporting the development of an ambitious, effective and legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution.

    Read about it
  • Smille woman with recyclable bottles

    Policies, pollution and people

    Countries around the world are committing to more aggressive measures in response to the growing plastic pollution problem. Deposit return systems, in combination with reverse vending technology, give policymakers, retailers, and consumers the power to play their part and make an impact.

    Check it out

Get in the Loop

  • Person wrapped in plastic standing on a ledge with blue sky behind them

    Why is downcycling a bad thing?

  • material bottles PET

    What are recycled bottles made of?

    LET'S FIND OUT
  • A circle of plastic bottles at various stages of being crushed

    What is the circular economy?

  • Clean Loop Recycling

    A guide to Clean Loop Recycling

    GET IN THE LOOP
Asian girl holding one PET bottle and smiling

What can you do?

There are plenty of ways for you to make a difference. Being a responsible recycler and making recycling part of your regular habits, supporting effective waste management policies in your local area, and talking about the issue with family and friends. 
SAY NO TO PLASTICS IN NATURE
Consumer using Red Cross recycling lottery
DEPOSIT HEROES

The Red Cross's recycling lottery becomes pillar of support for humanitarian work

The lottery brings together the excitement of a game, protecting the environment, and supporting a charity making an impact.

Final thoughts

  • Shoreline filled with plastic bottles

    Only 3% of the beverage containers produced globally are recycled

    Want to help us capture the other 97%?
    Work with us!
  • TOMRA beach clean-up plastic pollution

    How does plastic end up in the ocean?

    Most of it originates on land.
  • Image of boats moving through plastic pollution

    Let's turn off the tap for rising marine litter

    By 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish.
    READ MORE
  • Young family walking along a beach and smiling

    For the people of tomorrow

    Later is too late. We can't afford to wait!