Customer stories

Kelly's Newcastle Service Station strengthens community recycling with TOMRA

The introduction of the deposit return system (DRS) in Ireland has become another way for Newcastle Service Station to support the local community, and TOMRA plays a central role in this development. The station expanded its setup to include two TOMRA R1 and one TOMRA R2. This combination now allows the site to serve a wide range of customers efficiently, handling around one million containers every month.

14 Apr 2026

3 min

A family business growing with the community

Ireland: Newcastle Service Station in Ireland first opened in 1978, founded by the parents of current owner Brian Kelly. What began with only two employees has steadily grown into a team of 35. Over the years, it has expanded its services step by step, always adapting to the changing needs of the village. Today, it offers laundry machines, dog-washing facilities, postal services, and a café. The introduction of the deposit return system (DRS) in Ireland has become another way for the station to support the local community, and TOMRA plays a central role in this development.

Expanding the deposit return solution

The station’s first reverse vending machine was TOMRA T70, a single feed unit that helped introduce customers to a new and convenient way of returning containers. As usage increased, the team saw the need for more capacity and faster options. In November 2024, Kelly's Newcastle Service Station installed a TOMRA R1, which immediately provided a much quicker experience, especially for those users returning large volumes.

Brian Kelly Owner at Newcastle Service Station

By June 2025, demand had grown even further, and the station expanded its setup again to include two TOMRA R1 units and one TOMRA R2, while keeping the original TOMRA T70 in place. This combination now allows the site to serve a wide range of customers efficiently, handling around one million containers every month.

A hub for locals, workers, and community groups

The station’s deposit return solution attracts a wide range of users. Local residents rely on the service, employees from the nearby industrial area stop by regularly, and charities and sports clubs travel from across the country to use the machines due to the convenience and speed.

Deepak Singh, Retail and Marketing Manager at Newcastle Service Station, describes the positive experience for both the business and its customers:

Deepak Singh Retail and Marketing Manager at Newcastle Service Station

Newcastle Service Station in Ireland now have two TOMRA R1, one TOMRA R2, and one TOMRA T70 at the station.

Customers consistently highlight how straightforward and efficient the process is, particularly with the TOMRA R1. Many appreciate that they can complete their returns quickly, even when bringing in large quantities. The ability to empty an entire bag of containers at once has become one of the most valued features, as it helps reduce waiting time and makes the experience more comfortable for a wide range of users. For families, commuters, and community groups, this level of convenience has made Kelly's Newcastle Service Station a dependable and well‑liked place to return their containers.