Frequently asked questions

It sees consumers pay an up-front deposit when they buy a drink, which is redeemed on return of the empty drink container.

This is often done through a network of ‘reverse vending machines’, where you insert your plastic or glass bottle or can and the machine returns your money. Once a bottle is returned, businesses are then responsible for making sure they are effectively recycled – a move that has led to a 97% recycling rate in Germany.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/deposit-return-scheme-in-fight-against-plastic

It allows a consumer to return empty recyclable containers. Recyclever Reverse Vending Machines read the barcode, to check it can be accepted, check the weight to ensure it is empty, then compact the container to maximise space and destroys the bar code to avoid fraud. Using Recyclever® Reverse Vending Machines allows retailers to be clever as it prints vouchers to instigate a circular economy.

Recyclever Reverse Vending Machines accept PET bottles, Aluminium cans, up to 2 litre capacity. No glass or HDPE milk or bleach containers. The machines can be programmed to accept any barcode or specific barcodes as required.

Recyclever® reverse vending machines can accept approximately 20 containers a minute and depending on size and if the machine has a compactor. It can store between 500 to 800 containers before it needs emptying.

Barcode scanners allow the Reverse Vending Machine to be selective in accepting containers. It can be programmed to accept only those where a deposit was paid or those sold in specific stores or vending machines who are entitled to a voucher.

Bottles which contain liquid are too heavy and the machine will recognise and reject them until they are emptied. recyclever® will weigh, scan and review the product and if it is not within the defined scope of what the machine will accept, it will return the product to the customer for another means of disposal.

A compactor squashes PET bottles and aluminium cans, destroying the bar code.  This prevents the same container being used to obtain another voucher and is an important anti-fraud feature. recyclever® will hold between 500 to 800 compacted containers, so the machine has to be emptied less frequently. Without a compactor, the machine storage capacity reduces to less than a third.

recyclever® reverse vending machines have inbuilt safety sensors. If a user puts their arm too far into the machine, it will automatically shut down and relay a message on the screen.

This depends if there is a Deposit Return Scheme in place in that area. All DRS schemes allow a container to be purchased in a shop and returned into another. Without a DRS scheme, it is the retailers/operator’s choice. recyclever® can be set up to accept certain bar codes which are relevant to the retailer, so you would need to return them back to the store where you purchased them from unless the retailer has coded the machine to accept other codes. In this case the retailer would increase footfall massively by attracting consumers from other stores, increasing both responsible behaviour and sales.

This depends on how it is set up. If it is with a Deposit Return Scheme, the figure is decided at Government level. Otherwise, the retailer or owner of the machine decides the value.  The value could be credited to any container or just those sold by that specific retailer.

recyclever® reverse vending machines are very competitively priced. We understand the global need to have every plastic and Aluminium container falling inside a comprehensive circular economy. Our manufacturing makes it extremely affordable, so more can be done to achieve the ultimate goal of circularity.

To help reduce plastic and aluminium waste. It also depends if there is a Deposit Return Scheme in your area. Check this link for more info.

Yes. At recyclever® we want to listen to your needs, customise the solution that works for you and helps to save the planet.

The reverse vending machines are specifically designed for interior installation, however, they can be placed under a canopy for protection outside

An AC 240V socket, Voucher Printer Paper, Recycling Bags. Regular emptying and occasional cleaning

The machine is compact and fits easily in retail and entertainment spaces. With a very competitive priced unit, everyone can recycle more. The large marketing screen makes the most of the allocated floor space.