The company’s space-saving reverse vending machine can handle PET plastic and metal cans and sets out to enable an automated return process for retailers with limited space and can handle PET plastic and metal cans.
TOMRA’s TOMRA B3 has launched in the UK as retailers prepare for the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) in 2027. From October next year, consumers will pay a refundable 20p deposit on eligible plastic drinks bottles and cans, which they’ll get back from retailers when they return their empty containers.
The reverse vending machine occupies 0.45sqm of floor space, enabling convenience retailers to benefit from offering automated returns.
TOMRA B3’s small footprint enables automated container returns into stores without taking away valuable selling space from retailers. The machine can handle PET plastic and metal cans and is also available on wheels, offering greater flexibility on where it can be positioned in the store.
Using barcode recognition, weight detection and image-based recognition, TOMRA B3 reportedly accurately identifies containers to deliver a quick and seamless recycling experience.
Exchange for Change, the deposit return scheme operator, will pay retailers a handling fee for every drinks container they collect. Retailers who use automated collection will reportedly receive a higher handling fee.
“Convenience retailers are assessing the advantages of automating collection instead of handling containers manually, and the larger handling fee is just one of many incentives. Having a reverse vending machine can save staff time and make the process easier for customers. We see in other DRS markets that shoppers value a quick and reliable return experience, and retailers that provide this can benefit from attracting shoppers,” says Sondre Henningsgård, Managing Director for TOMRA Collection UK.
TOMRA B3 is making its UK debut this week at a number of industry events, including RWM, the resource and waste management expo at the NEC in Birmingham.
In other news, The Exchange for Change organisation delivering the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has announced the intended producer fees for the scheme, due to launch in October 2027.
Elsewhere, German start-up Reo has expanded its digital return platform – which integrates existing cosmetic and personal care packaging into circular systems via Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) – to include eight branches of the retailer Kaufland.
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