Vending

Tomra introduces compact reverse vending machine for small retailers

Image courtesy Tomra

September 18, 2026

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Tomra has introduced the B3, a compact reverse vending machine designed for convenience stores and independent retailers preparing for the United Kingdom's deposit return program, according to a Scottish Local Retailer report. The machine occupies 0.45 square meters, or about 4.8 square feet, allowing stores to automate container collection without surrendering substantial selling space.

The B3 accepts PET plastic bottles and metal cans and can be equipped with wheels for easier placement. It uses barcode scanning, image recognition and weight detection to identify eligible containers. The machine is intended to help smaller retailers reduce the staff time required to handle returned containers manually while giving customers a faster return process.

The launch comes as retailers prepare for the U.K. deposit return program scheduled to begin in October 2027. Consumers will pay a refundable approximately 27-cent deposit on eligible drink containers and recover it when the containers are returned. Sondre Henningsgard, managing director of Tomra Collection UK, said automated collection can help stores attract customers, while qualifying retailers may also be eligible for grant funding through the program administrator Exchange for Change.