The deposit return scheme (DRS) for bottles and cans will launch on 1 October 2027. As a retailer, you’ll play a crucial role by operating a return point for consumers.
TOMRA is here to help you prepare for the scheme, with our pioneering reverse vending machines for stores of all sizes. Using our 50+ years of global experience in deposit return schemes, we can help you select a solution that works for your store and your customers.
Give yourself time to understand the scheme and how it affects your store operations.
Plan your reverse vending machine placement early, especially if space is limited or your layout is complex.
Get expert guidance to choose the right machine, particularly if you manage multiple locations or have unique store formats.
When you buy single-use bottles or cans that are part of the scheme, the deposit amount for each unit will be added to your invoice.
You add the deposit to the sales price when you sell a drink to the consumer.
When the consumer returns empty bottles or cans to your store, you refund the deposit to them.
The scheme operator collects the returned cans and bottles from your store, refunding you for the deposits, and also paying you a handling fee per container.
A reverse vending machine scans and collects empty drinks containers for recycling as part of a DRS.
The machine verifies that the container returned by the consumer is part of the scheme, and then refunds the deposit. The refund can be issued via a receipt to be claimed in-store, by bank transfer or as a charity donation. (The exact details of the process will be confirmed nearer to the launch date in October 2027).
A reverse vending machine makes collecting bottles and cans faster, cleaner and more efficient for the shopper and the retailer.
It reduces the time that store staff spend on counting and storing bottles and cans. Security is another key benefit – a reverse vending machine significantly reduces the possibility of fraud in the returns process.
It also pays to create a great recycling experience for your shoppers. Research by TOMRA shows that 9/10 shoppers use their deposit refund to pay for groceries in-store. Recycling customers not only bring footfall to stores, but also revenue.1
Source: TOMRA Consumer Research, 2022
50+ years’ DRS experience across 60+ markets
Trusted by retailers worldwide with over 91,000 machines
Durable machines with an average 10–15 year lifespan
TOMRA helps retailers navigate DRS requirements with ease - ensuring smooth onboarding and dependable performance, minimising operational headaches from day one.
With a complete range of cutting-edge reverse vending machines, digital tools and comprehensive service packages, we support retailers from planning, installing and successful long-term operation.
Our reverse vending machines come in a variety of sizes, from compact units to large-scale systems - designed to meet the needs of every retailer.
Paco Supermarkets | RomaniaWe chose TOMRA, our store is located on a busy boulevard with significant pedestrian traffic, and the machines collect over 4,000 containers daily—far more than we expected. It's the perfect solution for our needs.
Murphy’s Costcutter Express | IrelandPeople bring in their recyclables weekly and use the vouchers in store, which boosts our business.
Newcastle Service Station | IrelandThey are brilliant and easy to use, very easy for us to operate. When we got the machine we thought, finally something new has come to Ireland.
Coop Mega Lillehammer | NorwayWe’re seeing more and more new customers and businesses coming here to recycle bigger volumes. I believe it’s because we are the only store in the area with such an efficient recycling solution. It doesn’t get any easier for customers, they love it!
