Not necessarily. The scope of each Deposit Return System is defined by national legislation, and it varies from country to country. In most schemes currently in operation or under development, only beverage containers made of PET plastic or aluminium are included in the DRS. Other packaging types, such as glass, cartons or multi-material containers, continue to be managed through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and conventional kerbside recycling collection.

When you buy a drink in an eligible container, you pay a small deposit. Returning the empty container is how you get it back. This simple incentive is what makes deposit return systems so effective, collection rates in well-established schemes regularly exceed 90%. Beyond the personal refund, returning containers keeps valuable materials such as aluminium and PET plastic in circulation, reduces litter, and feeds high-quality recycled material back into new beverage packaging.

Reverse vending machines verify each container by reading its barcode and cross-checking it against the container’s expected shape and material. This is how the machine confirms that the container is eligible for a deposit refund and prevents fraudulent returns. A crushed or heavily deformed container may make the barcode unreadable or prevent the shape recognition from working correctly, causing the machine to reject it. To make sure your return is processed smoothly, bring containers back in their original shape.

Selecting the right machine depends on your store format, available floor space, expected daily return volume and the container types covered by your local Deposit Return System. As a general guide: compact standalone machines are well suited to smaller stores and convenience formats, while larger supermarkets and high-traffic locations typically need modular systems or bulk-fed machines with greater capacity. Our team can help you assess your requirements and recommend the right solution, contact us to get started.

RVM Systems offers two main machine families. Our standalone range covers standalone reverse vending machines for smaller and medium-sized stores, where a compact footprint and ease of installation are priorities. Our Modular range, including the Proline and Mega configurations, is designed for supermarkets and larger retail environments with higher return volumes and the need for flexible, scalable capacity. We also supply industrial counting and sorting equipment for centralised return depots and processing centres. Our team can advise you on the right configuration for your operational requirements.

Reverse vending machines can be configured to accept the container types defined by the local Deposit Return System. In most current schemes, eligible containers include PET plastic bottles, aluminium cans and steel cans. Some markets also include glass bottles. The machine identifies each container by reading its barcode and verifying its material and format, accepting only those containers registered as eligible within that scheme.

A reverse vending machine (RVM) is an automated machine that accepts empty beverage containers, typically plastic bottles and cans, and processes them for return within a Deposit Return System. When you insert a container, the machine reads its barcode, verifies that it is eligible for return, and registers it. It then stores, sorts or compacts the container depending on the machine configuration. Once your return is complete, you receive your deposit back as a voucher, digital credit or cash refund.

A Deposit Return System (DRS), also called a Deposit Return Scheme or Deposit Refund System in some markets, is a policy mechanism designed to increase the collection and recycling of beverage containers. Consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing a drink in an eligible container. When they return the empty container to an approved return point, they get the deposit back in full. The deposit creates a direct financial incentive to return containers rather than discard them, which is why DRS schemes consistently achieve very high collection rates.

RVM Systems machines connect to a cloud-based monitoring platform that gives operators a real-time overview of their entire return operation. The platform provides live data on machine status, collection volumes, fill levels and operational alerts, making it easier to plan emptying schedules, identify issues before they affect service and reduce unnecessary engineer visits. For retailers and larger operators managing multiple sites, the platform also offers reporting tools to track performance across individual machines, stores or a whole network.

Yes. RVM Systems and our network of local subsidiaries provide a full range of support services, including installation, preventive and corrective maintenance, technical support and operator training. Service programmes are tailored to the machine type, location and operational requirements of each customer, and can be structured as part of a longer-term service agreement. Contact us to discuss the support options available in your market.

Yes. Many Deposit Return Systems offer the option to donate your refund to a charity or humanitarian cause instead of receiving it as a voucher or cash. When returning your empty containers at the reverse vending machine, you can typically choose from a list of participating charitable organisations at the machine or through the scheme’s app.

Yes. RVM Systems offers compact standalone machines specifically designed for smaller stores, limited floor space and moderate daily return volumes. These machines are straightforward to install and operate, making them a practical option for convenience stores, forecourt shops and smaller supermarkets that want to offer a return point to their customers.