UK grocery store tests new reverse vending technology

A trial of reverse vending technology that accepts glass bottles, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and aluminum cans has launched at Sainsbury’s supermarket in Newbury, Berkshire, England, according to a news release from Tomra Collection Solutions, which has corporate headquarters in Norway. Tomra reports that this reverse vending technology trial “is the first of its kind in England” to include glass. 

About a month ago, the U.K.’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) released the results of its consultation into a deposit return scheme (DRS) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland that revealed strong public support for an “all-in” DRS scheme, including a broad range of materials, Tomra reports in a news release announcing the trial.

The Sainsbury’s trial is taking place in conjunction with reverse vending experts Tomra Collection Solutions U.K. and Ireland. The company is using a machine known as the T-70 Dual. 

Sainsbury’s is offering a 5 pence coupon for every qualifying drinks container that is returned to the machine, Tomra reports in a news release.

“We are excited to be working with Sainsbury’s on this landmark trial,” says Truls Haug, managing director of Tomra Collection U.K. and Ireland. “Showing how three materials can be easily collected in stores with Tomra reverse vending technology is an important learning for retailers and consumers as we move towards an all-inclusive deposit return scheme in the U.K., starting with Scotland. We look forward to hearing feedback from shoppers and Sainsbury’s staff as the trial progresses.”