Reverse Vending

Reverse Vending Machines, (RVM's) are automated machines that utilise advanced technology to identify, sort, collect and process used beverage containers. #ReverseVending #Rvm #RevereseVendingMachine @Reverse_Vending @Deposit_Return

There is no such thing as “Digital DRS” We need a real Deposit Return Scheme only This is digital drs accepting a banana as a bottle 🤣

@TheFed_Online continues call for faster application of Deposit Return Scheme in Wales THE FED’S President in Wales, Mark Dudden, has added his voice to calls for faster action implementing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for recycling in Wales and for the adoption of a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) which can administer it. With the Welsh Senedd election due next week, the Fed has written to the current Government Minister responsible, Huw Irranca-Davies and his officials urging the appointment of a DMO which can administer the scheme and deal with the various technical questions involved in implementing DRS. The sole applicant for the DMO, Exchange for Change, was rejected in its application earlier in April and the new application process will carry on until June. Mark Dudden commented: “The Fed has actively engaged in the implementation of DRS, serving on the Advisory Board of the DMO covering the rest of the UK, but we feel for it to work it must have full interoperability with the rest of Britain and Northern Ireland. As we have also made clear in our manifesto for the election, launched in January, the Fed also has concerns that adding glass to the mix will make it hard for small shops – and ultimately make the best the enemy of the good, undermining the Welsh scheme as a whole. “Whoever takes on responsibility for running it, we hope a new DMO can be put in place as soon as possible to ensure clear communication and support for Welsh retailers when DRS is launched in just less than 18 months.” #DepositReturn #Drs #Wales @BlantFamily @Reverse_Vending herald.wales/national-news/…

Businesses that produce or sell drinks in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will have new responsibilities. From 1 October 2027, customers will pay a refundable deposit for certain single-use drink containers under the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Return points Supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and newsagents that sell drinks in the scheme must host a return point for drinks containers, unless they qualify for an exemption. The return point can be manual or automated using a reverse vending machine.   These retailers must also:  *Register with the deposit management organisation *Pay the deposit back to consumers at the point of return (via voucher, card or cash)  *Store returned containers for collection  *Display information so customers know how the scheme works. Retailer Handling Fee (RHF). All Retailers who operate return points and take back Deposit Return Scheme 'in scope' containers from consumers, will be paid Handling Fees. Deposit return systems provide per unit handling fees as compensation for collecting, sorting, and handling empty drinks containers from consumers The Retailer Handling fees cover the costs of Operating an Automated Return Point. * The RVM Purchase/lease. * Staff costs. * Retail Floor Space/Storage Space/Power. * Fit Out Costs/Construction Fees/Internal and External. * Sundries/Insurance/Security/Cleaning. * Inflation. It is assumed that 90% of returns are made through RVMs, this is based on international evidence which demonstrates the majority of returns occur through RVMs. The cost of operating an Automated Return Point (Reverse Vending) can be fully reimbursed through the Retail Handling Fee, provided it is managed effectively. Calculating estimated returns at each store is essential, including how often bins, bags, and printer rolls need to be changed, as well as the staff time required for cleaning. With accurate calculations, retailers can select the appropriate Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) to operate a Return Point at little to no cost over its lifespan. Exchange for Change have looked at various values that have been used in Mandatory Deposit Return Schemes in other countries but know that the UK is a completely different market. An extensive consultation on the Retail Handling Fee is underway. Exchange for Change have stated that “The retailer handling fee is going out to consultation, and they are working really hard to get as much information in as possible so that the retailer handling fee really does reflect what it costs to operate DRS in store in the UK.” How can retail­ers prepare? “Undertaking a trial-period will make life much easier with RVMs placed at the front of the store with a member of staff to assist.” Senior members of staff will need to be involved because it is time-consuming #DepsoitReturn

The cost of operating an Automated Return Point (@Reverse_Vending ) can be fully reimbursed through the Retail Handling Fee, provided it is managed effectively. Calculating estimated returns at each store is essential, including how often bins, bags, and printer rolls need to be changed, as well as the staff time required for cleaning. With accurate calculations, retailers can select the appropriate Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) to operate a Return Point at little to no cost over its lifespan. Alternatively, retailers may consider seeking an exemption or accepting returns manually over the counter. Retail Handling Fees are paid to all retailers who operate return points and accept Deposit bearing 'in-scope' containers from consumers. Retailers receive a payment for every 'in-scope' can or bottle accepted by the RVM. For each "in-scope" drink can or PET plastic bottle returned to a participating shop or supermarket, the retailer earns a Handling Fee. There are different Handling Fee values for manual take-back versus operating an Automated Return Point. The UK's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is set to launch on 1 October 2027 across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The retail handling fee, referred to as the "handling payment" in official regulations, is paid by the DMO to retailers and other return point operators to cover costs associated with hosting return points, including purchasing or leasing equipment, staff time, utilities, storage, and the rental value of floor space used. This fee serves as a reimbursement to ensure the scheme remains cost-neutral for participants. While no fixed amount for the handling payment has been officially published, it will be determined by the DMO based on consultations and cost assessments, with periodic reviews every three years. An extensive consultation on the Retail Handling Fee is currently underway through the Industry Advisory Group and the DMO, with more details on fee structures expected later this year. Deposit return systems provide per unit handling fees as compensation for collecting, sorting, and handling empty drinks containers from consumers. In a best practice system, handling fees vary depending on material type, method of collection (manual or automated), type of collection point and whether the containers are compacted. How can retail­ers prepare? “Undertaking a trial-period will make life much easier with RVMs placed at the front of the store with a member of staff to assist.” Senior members of staff will need to be involved because it is time-consuming. #DepositReturn #ReverseVending #UKDRS

Fantastic! Solar-powered Automated Return Point kiosks This is not a concept, it is an operational business model proven in Europe. 😍 #ReverseVending

Fantastic! Solar-powered Automated Return Point kiosks This is not a concept, it is an operational business model proven in Europe. 😍

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. 🎅🏻🌲❤️ And to everyone else: I hope you have a peaceful, healthy, successful end to the year. 🤝 @Reverse_Vending #Respect #Kindness #Christmas #Inclusion #Culture #Humanity

German Humour ! The image is a cartoon by Oli Hilbring that plays on words in German. The text in the thought bubble reads "Fantautomat?", which is a pun on the German word "Pfandautomat" (meaning a reverse vending machine for recycling bottles/cans) and "Elefant" (elephant).  •The machine has an elephant inside it, suggesting it is a machine for elephants. •The text "FANT AUTOMAT" is visible on the side of the machine. •The man is holding a basket of bottles, implying he intended to use a normal recycling machine. •The humour comes from the visual pun and the unexpected sight of an elephant in the machine.

IRELAND Operator of Deposit Return Scheme planning to build multimillion-euro recycling facility Re-turn, the operator of the country’sDeposit Return Scheme (DRS), is planning to build a multimillion-euro recycling facilityfor plastics, which it hopes will be operational by the end of next year. The company currently exports up to 90 per cent of PET plastic collected through the scheme due to the absence of a bottle-to-bottle facility in Ireland that can process the material needed to produce new drink containers. Re-turn intends to use some of the funds accumulated from unreclaimed deposits and producer fees to develop the new facility. The company had a cash balance of €89.8 million at the end of last year, having retained €66.7 million in unclaimed deposits. As many as seven prospective contractors have expressed an interest in building the recycling facility, and it is understood that a tendering process for the operation of the plant is also underway. The plan was discussed during a meeting between Re-turn @returnireland CEO Ciaran Foley and Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien during the summer, according to records released under the Freedom of Information Act. Mr O’Brien was told that legislative changes may be required to facilitate the development of the recycling plant, and the European Commission had been contacted regarding existing regulations. Mr Foley outlined plans to set money aside in a circular economy fund to help finance the construction of the facility, which he hoped would be “up and running” by 2027. A spokesperson for Re-turn confirmed that the company was “actively engaging” with the Government and its industry partners on the project to build the country’s first bottle-to-bottle PET plant. “Since launch, Re-turn has publicly stated [that] a key element of its long-term strategy is to support bottle-to-bottle PET recycling in Ireland, to further enhance our circular economy and recycling infrastructure,” they said. “As a result of the increase in the national recycling rate for drinks containers from 49 per cent to 91 per cent since the scheme’s introduction, Ireland is now recycling the consistent level of food-grade PET plastic needed to make the country’s first PET bottle-to-bottle recycling facility viable.” The meeting between Mr Foley and Mr O’Brien took place at the end of May in Malahide. The Re-turn CEO told the minister that “seven businesses” were bidding to build the facility at that point. Minutes from the meeting show that a “comms [communications] piece” would be needed to “mark each milestone”, including the award of a contract for the facility, site selection, and planning approval. @Reverse_Vending @DepReturn_IE @IrelandEmbGB @RepakRecycling #Ireland #DepositReturn breakingnews.ie/ireland/operat…

19 years ago today; the very first ⁦@Reverse_Vending⁩ installed in a Shopping Centre ⁦@BritishLandPLC⁩ Eastgate Basildon

29 years ago : First installation of a Reverse Vending Machine in the UK. Tomra installed the very First Reverse Vending Machine in a UK Supermarket 29 years ago, in 1996 in a Somerfield store. I visited the Somerfield store with Anthony Brook from Avery Berkel to see how the bonus loyalty store reward system worked. The Tomra RVM was installed by their distributor at the time "Herbert & Sons" and the project was managed by Mark Thurgood, Project Director, Somerfield. The supermarket chain was later acquired by "The Co-operative" In many markets of the world at that time , no official deposit system that encourages re-use and recycling was in effect. The need for an attractive way to promote environmentally responsive handling of empty beverage containers was equally pressing in non-deposit markets. The “reward” could be bonus points for a customer loyalty program of a supermarket chain. An example of this is took place at Somerfield, the fifth largest food retailer in England with more than 600 stores throughout the country. Most stores were located where customers live and work, and Somerfield was considered to be both innovative and environmentally attuned. In a pilot project conducted in southern England, TOMRA Collection reverse vending machines recorded bonus points earned for returning beverage containers. The more returned containers, the more bonus points were earned. The Somerfield brand was retired in favour of parent's "The Co-operative" brand later in 2009. The installation at the Somerfield store was a success, however, the stakeholders founded a compliance scheme in 1997 which placed a Deposit Return Scheme on the back burner. #ReverseVending

UK Deposit Return Scheme Administrator appoints Chief Executive Officer #DepositReturn #DmoUK letsrecycle.com/news/uk-dmo-ap…

A Deposit Return Scheme is coming to England & Northern Ireland ! @DefraGovUK @WRAP_NGO @SteveBarclay @the_brc @BritSoftDrinks

Remember, remember, the Fifth of November.

RT @Deposit_Return: Captured on aRing Camera last night 👀😃 Ooooh! #ReverseVending #Halloween   🎃 #Halloween2025

Scottish Government ‘utterly irresponsible’ over deposit scheme – Alister Jack scotsman.com/news/scottish-…

The Reverse Vending Machines in Scotland , will alert the user if the bottle is rejected! #Scotland #DepositReturnScheme #DepositReturn #Drs @Reverse_Vending @ZeroWasteScot

The Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) Specification fir the UK @Deposit_Return scheme have been published for England,Scotland & Northern Ireland #DepositReturn #ReverseVending ukdmo.co.uk/news/dmo-publi…

@Biffa damages case over Scottish Deposit Return Scheme to begin 21st October 2025. A seven-day hearing in the case of Biffa Waste Services versus the Scottish Government is scheduled to begin on 21 October 2025, the Court of Session has confirmed. The commercial action sees Biffa seeking damages of around £166 million, following delays to Scotland’s planned Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Biffa Waste Services versus Scottish Ministers Biffa was appointed in July 2022 as the sole logistics provider for the scheme, which would have involved the collection, transport, counting and recycling of returned containers. The agreement was with Circularity Scotland who had been designated by Scottish Ministers as the DRS administrator. In preparing for the scheme, Biffa claims to have invested around £51.4 million in equipment, sites, recruitment and contracts, and anticipated £114.8 million in profits over ten years. However, repeated delays to the DRS ultimately led to Circularity Scotland entering administration in June 2023, which brought Biffa’s contract to an end. As such, Biffa has claimed that the Scottish Government owed the company a duty of care, having assumed responsibility for steps to deliver the DRS. The Scottish Ministers deny these allegations. In a preliminary opinion earlier this year, presiding Judge Lord Clark recognised that there were “important points which will require further consideration” but concluded the case was not “bound to fail” and allowed it to proceed to Proof before Answer – an evidential hearing where the court considers the facts before ruling. Letsrecycle.com reached out to both Biffa and the Scottish Government, who confirmed they are unable to comment on an active court case. Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme The Scottish DRS has faced a series of postponements since its original planned launch in July 2022. The scheme was designed to add a 20p deposit to single-use drinks containers made of PET plastic, metal or glass, refundable when returned via retailers or reverse vending machines. The go-live date was amended to August 2023, then pushed back further. In June 2023, then minister Lorna Slater told parliament that UK government conditions on the scheme, including the exclusion of glass, left Scotland with “no option” but to delay implementation until October 2025 at the earliest. A further delay was announced in April 2024, with the latest indicative start date now set for 1 October 2027, alongside England and Northern Ireland. @Circ_Scotland @the_brc @BritSoftDrinks @morazzaq @Reverse_Vending @scotgov @lornaslater #DepositReturn #Drs letsrecycle.com/news/biffa-dam…

Today on the 1st of October 2025 , Poland's Deposit Return Scheme launches. The original implementation date for the deposit return system in Poland was planned for January 1, 2025. However, after consultations with packaging producers and companies responsible for collection and recycling, the deadline was postponed to October 1, 2025. Scope of the DRS and Deposit Amount The DRS in Poland will cover selected beverage packaging products, specifically: Single-use plastic beverage bottles up to 3 litres, including their plastic caps and lids (PET bottles); Metal cans up to 1 litre; Reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres. The amount of the deposit is 0.50 groszy for single-use plastic bottles and metal cans, and 1 zł for reusable glass bottles. #Poland #DRS #DepositReturnScheme #ReverseVending