Vending

Netherlands accelerates bulk reverse vending rollout

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July 14, 2026

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The Netherlands has nearly doubled the number of bulk reverse vending machines available for returning deposit containers, increasing from 90 to 170 during the first half of the year, according to an NL Times report.

Verpact, the organization that manages the country's deposit return system, said the machines are being installed at high-traffic locations such as car washes, garden centers and wholesalers to reduce pressure on supermarket return points. Verpact plans to have 300 bulk machines in operation by the end of the year.

The machines allow consumers to empty large bags of bottles and cans into the unit at once, speeding the return process and encouraging higher participation. The expansion comes as the Netherlands continues to fall short of its legal collection target of 90% for deposit containers, with return rates reaching about 87% for cans and 85% for bottles last year. Verpact hopes the additional bulk machines will help improve collection rates ahead of stricter European Union requirements scheduled to take effect in 2029.