Central ShopRite reports reverse vending benefits

James Haines, the third-generation owner of Vassar, Michigan-based grocery store Central ShopRite, says his store has benefited for two decades by using Tomra reverse vending machines to comply with Michigan’s “bottle bill” requirements.

Haines, who has been running the grocery store for 23 years, says when the bottle bill container deposit system went into effect in Michigan, it became a greater challenge to ensure the handling of dirty bottles and cans did not contaminate the store’s perishables. Haines says he spent countless hours writing to his state representatives to communicate how to best recycle products in Michigan.

However, when Central ShopRite installed Tomra’s reverse vending machines (RVMs) in 1997, it changed the way the company handled recycling at the grocery store. “Since using Tomra RVMs, especially the T-90s, there is no need for a separate room for recycling, since the system is so clean,” says Haines.

“The machines are in the front entrance of the store now, so it’s the first thing people see when they walk in,” he comments about the four T-90 models he now has. “The T-90s are truly impressive with their sleek look and interactive touchscreen, providing customers with a fun user experience.”

As an added investment in his store’s bottle return area, Haines had a trench installed that provides a constant flow of hot water along the front of the machines. The trench captures any excess liquid from the beverage containers as people insert them, further contributing to what he considers a clean and attractive recycling experience for his customers.

Haines also says he is a fan of Tomra’s customer recycling loyalty program, “Tomra Makes Change” (part of Tomra Connect digital solutions), because it encourages people to recycle and has brought new customers to the store.

“The recycling loyalty program has given our store a competitive edge,” Haines comments. “Customers started coming in to use our reverse vending machines and now [they] do their shopping with us.”

He concludes, “Our goal is to continue to grow the program by promoting it on the TVs we have connected to the T-90s, and through our store signage. Moving forward, we plan to utilize statistics and demographics and create fun videos that drive and grow the program to both existing and new customers.”