Reverse Vending Machine Access Expands Globally
New recycling infrastructure offers consumers more ways to manage and return beverage containers.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Organic Food
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Tomra Systems reported a 20% revenue increase for the third quarter of 2026, totaling $410 million compared to $343 million in the same period last year. This growth reflects rising global demand for reverse vending technology as more regions implement deposit return programs.
Why it matters
The steady expansion of these systems is tied to legislative efforts aimed at increasing container recycling rates worldwide. For consumers, this shift means increased access to deposit return infrastructure, which encourages the circular economy by incentivizing the return of beverage packaging.
In a quarterly earnings filing, Tomra reported total revenue growth of 20%, supported by a 21% increase in its Collection division. While earnings rose, the division's gross margin declined to 40.8% from 42.3% in the prior year period.
The players
Tomra Systems
A Norwegian company that manufactures reverse vending machines and sensor-based sorting systems for recycling and food processing.
CLYNK
A container return company recently acquired to integrate and expand deposit return service capabilities.
The details
Tomra operates over 91,900 reverse vending machines that process more than 53 billion bottles and cans annually. The company's growth is driven by equipment sales in new deposit return markets, including Poland, Singapore, and Romania, alongside expansions in existing regions. These machines automate the sorting and counting of containers to facilitate return-for-refund programs.
Timeline
April 2026: Singapore launched its deposit return network.
Q3 2026: Tomra Systems achieved 20% revenue growth.
Late 2026: Initial reverse vending machine installations are expected in Britain.
2027: Larger machine deployments are scheduled for Britain.
October 2027: Deposit return systems are slated to begin operations in the U.K.
Health Landscape
The global surge in automated recycling infrastructure follows the implementation of circular economy mandates like the European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive. These policy shifts are forcing a transition toward standardized deposit return systems to minimize environmental packaging waste.
As new deposit return systems launch in your area, consider how these programs change your household waste habits. Using these reverse vending machines helps ensure that containers are sanitized and processed into clean material streams, reducing potential chemical contamination in recycled goods.
The takeaway
The increased adoption of automated collection technology signals a permanent shift toward standardized container recycling. You can support these environmental health efforts by familiarizing yourself with local return requirements and ensuring your recyclables are clean and damage-free.
What happens next
Deposit return systems are officially scheduled to begin operations in the United Kingdom in October 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable packaging practices in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Vending Times.
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Do you believe mandated container deposit systems are effective at increasing personal recycling participation?
