Tomra speeds up recycling with new reverse vending machine

Tomra has unveiled a reverse vending solution that allows users to pour more than 100 empty beverage containers into the machine in one go.

Called the Tomra R1, the innovation is said to be “up to five times faster than at a single-feed machine”, as containers do not need to be put in one at a time. 

To operate the machine, shoppers are required to open the hatch, pour in their empty cans and plastic bottles and close the lid to begin the counting and sorting process. Ineligible containers are returned to the user via the reject chute.

Tomra said as well as being handy for recyclers with an overflowing pile of containers at home, the machine is suited for workplaces returning large volumes of bottles and cans, as well as for charities and community groups collecting deposit containers for fundraising. 

“With alarming growth worldwide in plastic pollution and greater awareness of the problem, we wanted to make the recycling experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible,” said Harald Henriksen, head of Tomra Collection Solutions.

“If more people are motivated to return their drink containers for recycling, more can be turned into new bottles again and again in a closed loop, reducing reliance on raw materials for producing new containers. The multi-feed concept transforms the recycling experience.” 

He added: “The multi-feed approach has truly wowed recyclers. During our tests, people drove past other stores in order to use Tomra R1, arrived with trailers full of containers, and even turned up with only a small number of containers, just because they preferred to use Tomra R1.”

Tomra R1 is now available in Norway and Sweden, and is now rolling out to the US. Germany and other regions will follow in the coming months.