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New to deposit return schemes? Here's what retailers need to know

Retailers are at the heart of deposit return schemes. But what are they, and how can retailers get the most out of them? TOMRA can help make deposit return work for you, by automating the return of bottles and cans and creating a great recycling experience for your customers.
Kids getting containers from car boot

What is a deposit return scheme?

Deposit return systems (also known as deposit return systems or DRS) are a proven way to increase recycling rates, reduce litter and help protect the planet, while offering many benefits for communities, businesses and the environment. They encourage bottle and can recycling by adding a small deposit to the price of a beverage, which is refunded to the consumer when they return the container for recycling. Think of it as buying the drink, but borrowing the container. 
How does deposit return work?
HAppy retailers in front of fruit section

Retailers’ role in deposit return

Many deposit return systems around the world have a “return-to-retail” model – where retailers who sell beverages are also required to take back empty containers for recycling. Nearly all of the major high-performing deposit return systems in the world operate return-to-retail collection. As you are at the very heart of deposit return, you can make a huge difference to your customers, your communities, and the environment. And with the right bottle and can recycling solution, deposit return can also benefit your business.
Read more about TOMRA for Retailers
mom and kid using TOMRA T90 reverse vending machine

DRS opportunities for retailers

Recycling habits impact shopping habits and retailers can harness this through deposit return. Most customers shop where they recycle, so offering a great recycling experience can draw customers to your store and keep them coming back. Customers are also more eco-conscious than ever and expect to see businesses playing their part – they are more likely to engage with those who care about the same things they do. In addition, retailers in many deposit return systems receive a handing fee for every container collected by their stores.
Read more about DRS

The benefits of automating your drink container collection

  • Teens recycling

    Time and cost saving

    Store staff will not have to check and process each container manually, saving you time and resources.

  • Retailer at store

    Space saving

    Reverse vending machines compact beverage containers on site, saving selling space in your store.

  • Employee with NotifyAssist on tablet

    Accuracy

    Automation removes the potential for human error and ensures deposits and handling fees are correctly paid out.

  • Woman using TOMRA T9 reverse vending machine

    Customer experience

    RVMs offer customers a quick and easy recycling experience, encouraging them to return containers at your store.

How to use a reverse vending machine?


Using a reverse vending machine (RVM) is quick and easy. Check out how to use a TOMRA single-feed or multi-feed reverse vending machine:

How to use a single-feed RVM?

1.  Insert your containers
2. Tap the button
3. Take your receipt

When handed to retail staff, the refund receipt can be exchanged for cash or store credit. 

How to use a multi-feed RVM?

1.  Open the hatch (or tap start)
2. Insert your containers
3. Refill if needed
4. Tap "finish"
5. Take your receipt

As with the single-feed machine, refund receipts can be exchanged for cash or store credit. 

Girls looking at bottles in store

Have more questions?

Our FAQ will guide you through deposit return.
Learn more
Retailer showing consumer how to use reverse vending machine

When is a deposit return scheme coming?

This will depend on which country or region your store is located in. For more than 50 countries and territories worldwide, a DRS is already in place. Ireland, Hungary and Romania are among the most recent regions to introduce return-to-retail deposit return systems.

Retailers can check with their local retailer association or equivalent organization, or get in touch with TOMRA, to find out if a DRS has been announced.
TOMRA is the global leader in reverse vending technology, with around 85,000 reverse vending machines in more than 60 markets. Each year we help retailers and recycling venues to collect more than 46 billion containers.

With nearly 50 years of experience, we aim to lead the resource revolution – and our full-service solutions, with constant technology improvements and first-class customer service, will help you to get the most out of deposit return and play your part for years to come.
Asian girl holding PET bottles

Want more information from the TOMRA team?

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