Material recovery

A well-functioning container-recycling program requires more than just an efficient means of collecting the containers from consumers. TOMRA Material Recovery solutions add value to the recycling process through integrated data management, pickup, transport, processing, and best-in-class logistics systems. Annually, we process 130 million pounds of aluminum, 500 million pounds of glass, and 130 million pounds of PET plastic.

Material recovery – value every step of the way

Bottle deposit systems – or deposit return schemes – are becoming increasingly popular as a proven way to help manage beverage container litter. They have made reverse vending machines essential – but what happens next on the bottle return journey?

The same complex requirements of deposit return systems that made reverse vending machines a necessity also created a demand for material recovery solutions in markets such as the USA and Canada.

TOMRA’s integrated logistics and materials processing system can provide substantial cost savings when compared with manual operations. Beyond cost savings, it is critical that the material quality is maintained throughout the process. TOMRA’s Material Recovery solutions ensure the highest material values. In fact, PET plastics alone average 10 cents more in value when collected and processed through our systems.

Our experience is unrivaled – we own transportation networks in six markets and process containers in 11 different facilities across North America. Every year, we process 130 million pounds of aluminum, 500 million pounds of glass, and 130 million pounds of PET plastic.

Cubed bales of compacted plastic bottles

Role in the Resource Revolution

At TOMRA, we aim to Lead the Resource Revolution. Each year we keep 40 billion containers out of our streets, oceans, and landfill, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. Importantly, through bottle deposits, we can help achieve a circular economy. Manufacturers require container recovery solutions that preserve material quality, so it can be re-used for food-grade purposes and save virgin resources. Our reverse vending and material recovery solutions do just that – meaning less waste, more circularity. We call this ‘Clean Loop Recycling’ – watch our video to find out more.

Read more about plastic pollution and the Clean Loop

United States

In the United States, we collect, transport, and process beverage containers for recycling. This includes PET plastic, cans and glass bottles.

Contact TOMRA U.S

Canada

In Canada, we process material coming from bottle deposit. Using TOMRA sorting systems we separate PET bottles from aluminum cans. Bottles are transformed into flakes and cans are baled.

Contact TOMRA Canada