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Case Studies

Take a deep dive into reverse vending and deposit return systems, through the stories of our customers, recyclers and partners.

TOMRA has delivered reverse vending solutions since 1972 to help stakeholders right across the value chain in the return of empty beverage containers for recycling. These case studies spotlight the work and achievements of customers at the heart of Clean Loop Recycling, best practices in deposit return systems, individuals and organizations making a difference through deposit return, and TOMRA partners across the community.


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31 May 2022

The Arc Eastern Connecticut's redemption program supports the community and the environment


Connecticut, USA: The Arc Eastern Connecticut is a non-profit organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and their families. But the organization doesn’t only provide meaningful services – it also helps protect the environment in Connecticut. 

23 May 2022

Deposit hero returns 25,000 cans to raise money for vital medical equipment in local community


THE NETHERLANDS: Local litter collector Louis Bouwmeester used the local deposit return system to raise money to buy a defibrillator to support safety and health in his neighborhood.

19 April 2022

Key elements of high-performing deposit return systems: #7 - Extended Producer Responsibility financing

In this System Spotlight article series, TOMRA provides a deep dive into the best practices of high-performing container deposit return schemes.

23 February 2022

Royal Flying Doctor Service brings medical care to Australia’s remote communities


New South Wales, AUSTRALIA: People living in remote areas of the country do not have the same access to medical care as those who live in the cities, due to fewer clinics in the area and the distance to medical services. From April to October 2021, TOMRA Collection Australia together with the Return and Earn deposit return system encouraged consumers to donate their deposit refunds to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service South-Eastern Section in bringing medical care to people living in the outback.

07 February 2022

Key elements of high-performing deposit return systems: #6 - Container deposit markings for consumers and manual returns, barcodes for accurate accounting

In this System Spotlight article series, TOMRA provides a deep dive into the best practices of high-performing container deposit return schemes.

17 January 2022

Key elements of high-performing deposit return systems: #5 - Separately charged and fully refundable deposits

In this System Spotlight article series, TOMRA provides a deep dive into the best practices of high-performing container deposit return schemes.

12 January 2022

Australian bride recycles 140,000 drink containers to pay for her dream wedding

Queensland, AUSTRALIA: As part of their local deposit return system, Leonie Starr and her new husband Matt Porter collected 140,000 beverage containers to finance their wedding, cleaning up their neighborhood in the process.

10 December 2021

Hypermarket Prisma ensures maximum recycling uptime for their customers

Pirkkala, FINLAND: The hypermarket Prisma's service agreement with TOMRA ensures their reverse vending systems are always in the best working condition.

08 December 2021

K-Citymarket Vantaa Tammisto nearly triples container returns after acquiring TOMRA R1

Vantaa, FINLAND: Bottle returns at K-Citymarket Vantaa Tammisto have grown from 5.1 million to 14 million after the hypermarket purchased the TOMRA R1 "multi-feed" reverse vending machine - an increase of nearly 9 million containers within the first year.

23 November 2021

The 10-cent Recycling Kid makes a thriving business by collecting drink containers

Brisbane, AUSTRALIA: Young entrepreneur Lockie Patterson-Smyth contributes to keeping the environment clean by recycling everything he can through his business, 10-cent Recycling Kid

01 November 2021

Key elements of high-performing deposit return systems: #4 - Convenient redemption system for consumers

In this System Spotlight article series, TOMRA provides a deep dive into the best practices of high-performing container deposit return schemes.

26 October 2021

K-market Perkkaa meets store and shopper recycling needs

Espoo, FINLAND: Marika Rekilä, Store Owner at K-Market Perkkaa, believes that many customers will do their grocery shopping where returning their empty beverage containers is guaranteed to work well.

01 September 2021

Key elements of high-performing deposit return systems: #3 - Return-rate target

In this System Spotlight article series, TOMRA provides a deep dive into the best practices of high-performing container deposit return schemes.

27 August 2021

“Bottles Can Change Lives” recycling appeal supports Australians during Covid-19

AUSTRALIA: As well as the significant health impact, Covid-19 has brought emotional and financial hardship, with many in communities across Australia struggling to put food on the table or pay their rent or bills. Many others have experienced mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. From August 2020 to February 2021, TOMRA joined forces with local deposit return schemes and three well-respected charities to support those in need, through the “Bottles Can Change Lives” recycling appeal.  

11 August 2021

Cans for a Cause empowers youth recycling heroes


Connecticut, UNITED STATES: Connecticut-based organization teaches social responsibility and financial literacy through recycling.

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