Deposit Return Scheme: RVM Systems RVM Systems have a reverse vending machine for you

FROM February 2024, Ireland will introduce a Deposit Return Scheme. From this date, when a person buys a beverage in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can that features the Re-turn logo, they will pay a deposit of either 15c for container sizes between 150ml and 500ml or 25c for containers between 500ml up to 3 litres. When the empty undamaged container is returned to any participating retailer, the customer is entitled to get the deposit back in full.

Under the terms of the scheme, retailers can conveniently locate a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) at their store, to issue receipts for refunding deposits to their customers. Receipts are exchanged for a refund or against a purchase. The scheme organisers re-reimburse the store the deposit value paid to the customer plus a handling fee of 2.2c per each bottle/ can.

Increasingly, retailers in Ireland are realising the benefits of having an efficient and reliable RVM in place, as it streamlines and speeds up the return process for customers. As experienced in existing DRS markets, the more efficient and easier it is to use the RVM, the higher the opportunity to drive footfall and incremental sales from customers wishing to reclaim their deposits.

Free-standing reverse vending machines

RVM Systems Ireland is an approved supplier to provide reverse vending machines to the Irish market. As well as an Irish-based sales and support office, RVM Systems Ireland have a national network of engineers ready to service the Irish market. All RVM Systems machines have already been tested in Irish stores and installations have already commenced.

RVM Systems Ireland provides a range of free-standing, small-footprint machines that can be easily placed in locations where store space is limited. “Our machines provide seamless digital reporting of volumes to both the scheme operator and store owners, critical for ensuring that retailers get paid their handling fees correctly,” explains David Kelly, Managing Director, RVM Systems Limited Ireland.

RVM Systems Ireland is the only RVM provider that provides a large 21.5” screen as standard, providing an excellent opportunity for in-store promotion and

Explaining the return process

The return process using an RVM is simple:

Bottles and cans are returned via the infeed and the machine uses sensors to identify the product using a combination of barcode, shape recognition, material recognition and weight, ensuring only empty containers are accepted. The user engages with the machine via the 21.5” digital screen, which communicates in unambiguous language regarding how to use the machine, while also totalling deposit amounts as multiple bottles and cans are inserted. A receipt is printed out at the end of the process, which can be returned inside the shop at the till for either cash or credit off the next purchase. Deposits can also be donated to charity via the screen or by giving the receipt to a charity.

Just beyond the infeed, the container is flattened by the compactor and dropped into an internal bin. All their standalone RVM machines require only a standard 3-pin electrical socket and LAN access to the internet for reporting and IT