How supermarkets can choose the right reverse vending machine: 6 key factors

More regions are introducing deposit return schemes (DRSs) for drink container reuse and recycling, with retailers often serving as locations where consumers can return their containers. In regions preparing for DRS, now is the time to understand how the system will work, and how to choose the right reverse vending machine (RVM) for drink container returns. 

The right RVM can positively impact customer flow, staff workload, backroom logistics, user experience, and even shopper loyalty. Choosing the right RVM is therefore not only a question of machine size or purchase cost, but a decision about how container returns will fit into the daily rhythm of the store: where customers will queue, how quickly they can complete their returns, how much staff involvement is required, how often containers need to be emptied or collected, how easily the system can grow as return volumes increase, how the return process can be digitalized, and how the data can be used by the retailer. 

Six factors to consider when choosing a reverse vending machine 

A supermarket choosing a reverse vending solution should begin with a practical decision checklist. Estimate return volumes by looking at beverage sales, customer footfall, local population, expected participation, and whether your store may become a preferred regional return point. Understand which packaging types must be accepted, assess available customer-facing and backroom space, and evaluate how much time employees spend accepting, sorting, counting, cleaning, troubleshooting, or moving returned containers. 

Maintenance, cleaning, uptime, collection frequency, and total operational cost should also be part of the decision. The lowest-cost solution at purchase may not be the lowest-cost solution over the product’s entire lifecycle if it requires frequent staff intervention, creates queues, or cannot scale as return volumes grow.  

1. Which reverse vending machine is best for small, medium, and large supermarkets?

Before choosing a reverse vending machine, retailers should first understand considerations for store space and expected return volumes. A small urban supermarket may be constrained by floor space but experience frequent customer visits throughout the day. A larger suburban supermarket may see high weekly return volumes, especially at weekends. A hypermarket may need multiple return points and significant backroom storage capacity. 

Reverse vending machines for small urban supermarkets 

Small urban supermarkets often need to make the most of every square meter. Their challenge is usually not only how many containers are returned, but how to offer a convenient return point without disrupting narrow entrances, check-out areas, or high-density customer flow. For these stores, a compact reverse vending machine (such as TOMRA M1 or TOMRA’s B series of RVMs) may be the most practical solution. The focus should be on space efficiency, simple customer guidance, reliable operation, and easy access for staff to empty, clean, and maintain the machine. 

Reverse vending decision table:

Reverse vending machines for medium-sized supermarkets 

Medium-sized supermarkets often need to balance capacity and flexibility. Return volumes may be steady during the week but increase during evenings, weekends, holidays, or campaign periods. These stores may be well served by a higher-capacity standalone machine (like TOMRA T70 (Single, Dual or Trisort), TOMRA T90, TOMRA S1 Rugged or TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus) or a modular setup with additional storage or compaction. The decision should be based on expected return volumes, customer traffic, and staff time spent on returns. 

Reverse vending machines for large supermarkets and hypermarkets 

Large supermarkets and hypermarkets often handle very high return volumes and need reverse vending to operate smoothly throughout the day. Customers may arrive with larger quantities of containers, and peak periods can create queues if capacity is too limited. For these stores, modular return systems (like TOMRA T100 with MultiPac) are often the better fit because they can support higher throughput, greater storage capacity, more efficient backroom logistics, and multiple return flows. 

Reverse vending machines for high-traffic stores and community return hubs 

Some supermarkets become high-traffic return points because of their location, opening hours, parking, or role in the local community. These stores need to plan for more than average return volume. They need fast throughput, clear customer instructions, queue prevention, high uptime, and enough capacity to handle seasonal or weekend peaks. Reverse vending solutions tailored to high-volume stores include TOMRA R1, R2 and T100 with MultiPac Air, and even the TOMRA Expert Line. 

2. Should a supermarket install a reverse vending machine indoors or outdoors?

Choosing the right location for a reverse vending machine is about more than simply finding space. Retailers need to balance customer convenience, operational efficiency, and the practical realities of their store environment. The ideal location should be easy for customers to find, convenient to access, and avoid congestion; the machine should not block entrances, exits, check-out areas, or other high-traffic zones. Retailers should also consider accessibility, signage, lighting, power, connectivity, security and service access. 

Many supermarkets install reverse vending machines indoors, often near the entrance, so that shoppers do not need to continue carrying containers as they begin their shopping trip. Indoor locations also provide protection from weather, simplify maintenance and access, and create a more comfortable experience for customers throughout the year. 

However, outdoor installation can be a solution for supermarkets where space is limited. Moving container returns outside can help free up valuable retail space, reduce congestion around entrances and service areas, and create a dedicated recycling destination separate from the main shopping experience.  

When evaluating an outdoor location, climate and customer comfort should be key considerations. Exposure to rain, snow, wind, heat, and direct sunlight can affect the user experience. A covered kiosk can also improve screen visibility by reducing glare from direct sunlight and some coverage from rain and snow; fully-walled recycling stations take this a step further, also allowing for heating in colder climates or air-conditioning in warmer climates. 

Outdoor-capable RVMs such as TOMRA's S series of RVMs are designed for locations where retailers need a robust solution that can operate in demanding environments. TOMRA S1 Rugged and TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus feature robust steel cabinets designed to withstand rain, snow, and sun. Their powder-coated and galvanized sheet metal ensures the product maintains its appearance over the years, and the bright, high-visibility touchscreen remains readable even in direct sunlight. However, many other RVM types can be offered in kiosks or fully-walled recycling stations.

3. What is the difference between a standalone and modular reverse vending system?

Standalone RVMs combine return and storage all in one unit, while modular systems see the storage of containers is in a separate area behind a wall from the return in-feed (which enables the addition of multiple container storage cabinets).  

A standalone RVM is often suitable for stores that need a compact, automated return point for customers. They can be effective for small to medium stores, stores with limited space. Examples include the TOMRA’s S series of RVMs (TOMRA S1 Rugged and TOMRA S2 Rugged Plus for outdoor use), TOMRA T70 and TOMRA T90, B series (TOMRA B5 and TOMRA B7) and TOMRA M1. 

A modular return system is typically better suited to supermarkets with higher return volumes, more complex store logistics, or a need to scale capacity over time. Modular systems combine front-end customer return in-feeds with backroom storage, compaction, or transport solutions. They can be configured to match different volumes, materials, floorplans, and collection routines. 

Front-end reverse vending in-feeds facing toward end users include TOMRA T100, TOMRA R1 and TOMRA R2. Those can be combined with backroom storage solutions such as: 

• TOMRA RollPac: A low-footprint, vertical compaction and storage solution, for stores using roller cage infrastructure. 

• TOMRA EasyPac: A flexible and customizable backroom solution, designed to work in any space and offering up to six storage cabinets.  

• TOMRA MultiPac: A high-volume backroom system, offering two to seven storage cabinets. 

The decision between a standalone RVM and a modular return system should be guided by store size, expected daily and weekly return volume, available front-of-store space, backroom capacity, customer traffic patterns, peak return periods, material types accepted, staff workload, future scalability, and digital reporting requirements. 

4. What materials and material types are in local deposit return requirements?

Important to consider when choosing a reverse vending machine is which container types will be accepted under the local deposit return scheme. While most DRSs include plastic beverage bottles and metal cans, requirements vary significantly by market. The inclusions of glass beverage containers can create additional needs for collection and handling.  

Some DRSs allow plastic bottles and cans to be collected together in the same storage bin; others require separation of different material streams. These local requirements can influence the type of RVM, storage configuration, and backroom set-up that a retailer needs. For example, the TOMRA T70 RVM is available in Single, Dual or TriSort, to store containers in one, two or three separate bins. Experienced reverse vending partners like TOMRA can help retailers understand local regulations and identify the most suitable solution.  

For markets including glass bottles, additional equipment can reduce noise and improve safe working conditions for store employees. Retailers handling reusable glass bottles can complement TOMRA EasyPac and TOMRA MultiPac with glass return tables or SoftDrop systems that avoid glass breakage. 

The option to return entire crates of empty containers is common in markets where reusable container systems are well established (like Germany and Austria). Here, RVMs can combine regular container returns with a built-in crate return area, such as on TOMRA T100. This enables customers to return both crates and containers in a single visit, creating a more convenient experience. 

Understanding whether the DRS may expand in the future can also help retailers select a solution that will meet both current and long-term needs. Modular RVM systems can help supermarkets scale capacity over time: retailers can expand storage, add modules, upgrade front-end units, or integrate new digital services. This flexibility can protect the long-term value of the investment.  

When evaluating reverse vending machines, retailers should therefore look beyond daily return volumes and available floor space. The number and type of accepted materials, need for material separation, and handling of beverage crates can all influence which solution is the best fit. Taking these factors into account from the outset can help ensure compliance with local DRS requirements while delivering a smooth and convenient recycling experience for customers. 

5. How do single-feed vs multi-feed returns contribute to the reverse vending customer experience?

When choosing an RVM, retailers should consider not only store format, RVM location and container materials, but also the return experience itself. A key difference between RVMs is whether they offer users “single-feed” or “multi-feed” container returns. With a single-feed machine, customers insert containers one at a time. Multi-feed machines allow customers to pour in an entire bag of containers (100+ containers in one go), significantly reducing the effort required and making returns more efficient. 

The choice between single-feed and multi-feed can have a direct impact on customer satisfaction. As DRSs mature and participation increases, shoppers often arrive with larger volumes of empty containers. In these situations, a multi-feed RVM can help reduce queues, improve throughput, and create a more convenient experience for consumers. Since end users also do not need to touch each container, it also avoids sticky hands. 

For retailers looking to offer a multi-feed return experience, TOMRA offers TOMRA R1 and TOMRA R2. TOMRA R1 is designed for locations with higher return volumes and where retailers want to maximize capacity and throughput. TOMRA R2 delivers the same multi-feed convenience in a more compact format, making it well suited for stores where available floor space is more limited. 

Ultimately, the right choice depends on customer behaviour, expected return volumes, and physical constraints in the store. However, as consumer expectations for speed and convenience continue to grow, many retailers are increasingly viewing the return experience as an important part of the overall customer journey. 

Comparison of single-feed and multi-feed solutions:

6. How many reverse vending machines?

Choosing the RVM is important, and retailers should also consider whether to offer more than one RVM to their customers. Most supermarkets operate successfully with a single machine, while larger stores and high-volume locations sometimes choose to install multiple machines to reduce queues, improve customer convenience, and ensure capacity during peak return periods. 

Multiple machines can also help retailers accommodate different container types and recycling behaviours. For example, some stores may offer a multi-feed RVM for consumers with high volumes, and also a single-feed RVM when there are fewer containers to return. This approach can improve throughput, simplify material handling, and create a smoother experience for customers. 

Retailers should also consider how different RVMs work together. For example, while TOMRA R1 offers a high-capacity multi-feed experience for cans and plastic bottles, it is complemented with a solution like TOMRA T100 to handle glass containers. By combining multiple machines and technologies, retailers can create a return area that meets local DRS requirements while providing customers with a fast, convenient, and efficient recycling experience.

How TOMRA supports supermarket recycling solutions 

TOMRA reverse vending solutions help supermarkets and retailers automate packaging returns, improve collection efficiency, and support reliable deposit return operations. With solutions designed for different store formats and return volumes, TOMRA can support both compact reverse vending needs and larger modular return systems for high-volume retail environments.  

For supermarkets, the conversation should not begin with a single machine model. It should begin with the store’s needs: customer flow, return volume, available space, staffing model, backroom logistics, compliance requirements, data needs, and future growth. From there, the right return setup can be designed around the store.