Getting deposit-return ready: What retailers need to know when buying a reverse vending machine
Retailers need to be ready for deposit return”TOMRA carried out a study examining the retailer buying process, speaking to decision-makers across Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Central Europe and the UK who are currently using, or evaluating, reverse vending solutions.
Andrew Boyle is Sales Manager for TOMRA Collection in Ireland, where DRS arrived in February 2024. A majority of Ireland’s retailers are obliged to take back drink containers (using an RVM or manually), however those under 250sqm can apply for an exemption.
If you’re a retailer in a region that’s preparing to bring in a deposit return system (DRS) for drink container recycling, now is the time to understand how your system will work, and how to choose the right reverse vending machine (RVM) for accepting drink container returns.
A DRS is a proven way to reduce litter and encourage recycling. Consumers are required to pay a small deposit on drinks containers at purchase, which they get back when they return it to be recycled.
Deposit return systems are usually brought in through legislation, and the way they run differs from country to country, from the containers accepted to the businesses that must participate.
One of the most common DRS models is “return-to-retail”, which means retailers that sell eligible beverage containers are legally responsible for accepting them back. Retailers are then typically paid a handling fee for their role, usually by a government-appointed system operator. The return-to-retail model is used across the globe and is credited with achieving high return rates – indeed the world’s highest performing DRSs all use it and achieve an average return rate of 92.1%.
Many retailers use reverse vending machines to automate the collection process and make it more efficient, by sorting the recyclable materials and issuing deposit refunds – often in the form of a receipt that can be used as in-store credit or redeemed for cash.
“Acting early ensures that a store can ensure it meets its collection obligations in time for the DRS launch. In Ireland, the bigger supermarkets here all have reverse vending machines, though the smaller retailers are evaluating the best solution.”
In agreement was Dorin Mihai, Managing Director of TOMRA Collection in Romania, where DRS arrived in November 2023. Its retailers are all required to participate, regardless of size, though they can choose whether to collect drink containers manually or through automation.
“When DRS was set to come into force in Romania, it was new and unfamiliar,” said Dorin Mihai. “We saw though some early adopters of reverse vending machines, who recognized that being among the first to offer them would make them stand out. They felt it could give them a competitive advantage, and showcase their store as pioneering, innovative, and socially responsible.”
Automated bottle and can recycling for retailers – the benefits
Some retailers choose to collect drink containers manually, but this can be time consuming and subject to human error. Stores need to establish a return point, put storage bins in place, check if containers are eligible, issue deposit refunds, and log what has been returned. Store staff must also sort the containers so the different materials (which may include PET plastic, aluminum and/or glass) are separated ready for collection, and use valuable retail floorspace on storing uncompacted containers.
In contrast, automating the collection of drinks containers by using an RVM can save precious time and free up valuable resources. The machine can check, sort and store the materials, issue refunds, and log all the data electronically. They also automatically compact (crush) containers, requiring less store space and less emptying of storage bins since more containers can be 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 that need to process high volumes, to smaller convenience stores that need a compact machine in order to ensure they still have valuable space on the sales floor.
Automated recycling, for retailers, also brings additional benefits. It 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 an RVM will scan barcodes, reject ineligible or counterfeit 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, retailers give their customers a positive recycling experience, which encourages them back into the store.
A reverse vending machine partner takes time to understand retailers’ space and needs
What to know when buying a reverse vending machine – helping retailers choose
When Andrew Boyle began approaching Ireland’s retailers to discuss their 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 them on the size and specifications of a machine that’s right for them. It’s my job to identify opportunities for them and give them 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, but its slightly bigger footprint offers more internal storage capacity and its two compactors can handle two separate two material types at the same time.”
Some businesses might even need different RVM types for different locations. For example, TOMRA Collection Ireland supplied machines to a hospitality business that uses a high-volume TOMRA T90 in the public area for customers and a TOMRA M1 – the smallest standalone machine in the market – in the canteen for staff.
Retailers can also prepare for RVM discussions by examining their figures, which can help them anticipate return on investment. They should look at how many customers come through the door, and how many beverages are sold every year – this can be used to estimate the anticipated level of drink container returns per annum.
Retailers can then share these statistics with their reverse vending machine partner who will help them to make an informed decision about the type of machine that will match their needs.
Cost and IT factors in RVM selection
Cost is a primary consideration for retailers. TOMRA, for example, has large portfolio of reverse vending products we have – from small entry-level machines for more price-conscious retailers, to more advanced modular solutions.
On financing models, 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 labor, space and investment associated with container returns. Learn more about reverse vending machine pricing.
But cost is not the sole deciding factor in choosing an RVM, with other reverse vending machine features even higher on the agenda in Romania.
“For many retailers, one of their biggest burdens is IT, so naturally we are regularly asked a variety of technology-related questions”, said Dorin Mihai. “Automated recycling for retailers should integrate easily with their existing IT platforms and be compatible with their internal systems if they want maximum benefit for themselves and their customers.”
The ability to integrate TOMRA’s RVMs with retailers’ Point of Sale (POS) systems makes the process seamless and efficient. An array of APIs and digital tools mean TOMRA’s machines easily become part of retailers’ digital ecosystems. Data collection, real-time status notifications, automated guidance, industry-leading security protocols, and the ability to set up digital payouts are all ways this technology enhances the recycling experience.
Retailers can even integrate RVMs with their own loyalty schemes, or set them up in a way that allows customers to donate their deposit to a chosen charity, making the machines work harder for the retailer by boosting customer engagement.
TOMRA’s cutting-edge recognition identifies beverage containers by color, shape, and size. Combined with weight and material sensors, it ensures precise sorting, while motion detection further helps detect and prevent fraud. Its reverse vending technology focuses on system integrity and accurate container recognition, to ensure correct financial accounting and payout of deposit refunds.
RVM service and maintenance and support
Retailers assessing their RVM options should also consider the practicalities of day-to-day running and troubleshooting.It’s important to find out what’s required when it comes to maintenance, upkeep and cleaning – and crucially, to explore what type of support you will get if you have any issues.
When TOMRA installs an RVM, it works with store managers and staff to ensure these things all become a simple part of their everyday routine. Training is provided on use, cleaning, emptying and accessing TOMRA support.
TOMRA’s technicians can monitor RVMs 24/7 through TOMRA Connect and if an issue does arise, in most cases it can be resolved remotely. If that’s not possible, TOMRA Collection has a network of approximately 1300 local field service technicians around the world (as at October 2025), with quick response times, keeping machine down-time to an absolute minimum.
After-sales care and maintenance are never outsourced to third parties – TOMRA stays by the retailer’s side throughout the entire journey, delivering consistent support and peace of mind.
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