Bottle return machine – how does a bottle return machine work? 

Bottle return machine – what is it?

A bottle return machine is a device that automatically accepts bottles and cans from customers. Such a bottle recycling machine is fast and convenient, while also allowing for effective waste recycling. It makes it easy to return empty containers and get your deposit back for bottles.

In practice, bottle return machines accept various types of packaging – from PET plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 3 litres, through aluminium cans, to glass bottles. The process is simple – just place the packaging in the machine's opening, with the barcode facing up, and the advanced device will automatically recognise whether the packaging is covered by the deposit system.

How does a bottle return machine work and what is the packaging return process like?

Many customers wonder how exactly a bottle return machine works. The whole process can be compared to using an ATM – the difference is that instead of money, we insert bottles and cans. The machine's automatic code recognition system checks whether the bottle is covered by the deposit system, then crushes or compresses it, and the customer receives a receipt for the deposit refund.

The bottle return process ends with the receipt being collected – it can be used at the checkout for purchases or exchanged for cash. In this way, the bottle return machine promotes bottle recycling and at the same time motivates customers to return packaging to the bottle return machine.

Deposit system – why is it important?

A deposit system will come into force in Poland on 1 October 2025. It will cover single-use PET bottles with a capacity of up to 3 litres, reusable glass bottles and aluminium cans. Thanks to this solution, tonnes of bottles that today often become plastic waste will be recycled.

The deposit system is a step towards protecting the environment, as it effectively reduces plastic waste and increases environmental awareness among consumers.

What types of bottles are accepted by the bottle machine?

The bottle machine accepts PET bottles with a capacity of up to 3 litres, as well as aluminium cans and glass bottles. Beverage bottles are accepted, regardless of whether they contain water, juice or other carbonated drinks.

It is important not to crush the bottles before inserting them into the machine. The machine identifies the type of bottle by its barcode. When inserting a bottle, remember to place it with the barcode facing upwards.

How does the deposit refund system work?

A deposit is an additional fee added to the purchase of drinks in bottles and cans. After returning the empty containers, the customer receives a refund of the deposit in the form of a receipt.

Under the deposit system, you cannot lose your bottle deposit – simply return the bottles to a bottle machine and you will receive your refund on the spot. This innovative solution is already in place in many European countries and will also come into force in Poland in 2025.

OFFER FOR SHOPS: Rent instead of buying

Many shop owners are concerned about the costs of implementing the system. Purchasing a machine outright is an expense of around PLN 150,000. We offer a subscription model that does not tie up your cash.

Cost comparison (2025 price list)

How much will you earn from the bottle machine?

As a shop, you receive a so-called handling fee from the Operator. For automatic collection (by our machine), the rate is higher.

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Transparent rules: Before signing, we provide a full draft contract for review.

Bottle machine at Lidl – what you need to know

The bottle return machine at Lidl can be used now, as the chain is testing recycling machines in many of its stores. Stores larger than 200 m² will be required to install such devices, but smaller stores will not be covered by the system.

The bottle return machine at Lidl is easy to use – the customer inserts the bottle into the machine, the machine scans it, crushes it and issues a receipt for the deposit refund. The machine is intuitive to use and does not require any registration.

Will bottle return machines be available everywhere?

In Poland, shops larger than 200 m² will be required to install bottle return machines. This will make the collection of bottles and cans a common standard.

Smaller shops will still be able to accept empty packaging from customers, but will not be obliged to install a bottle machine.

Why are bottle return machines a modern solution?

Bottle return machines are a modern solution and an innovative way to sort bottles. This advanced device operates automatically, and the process of collecting packaging is simple and quick.

Such recycling machines increase environmental awareness and promote the sorting of bottles and cans. As a result, less plastic ends up in landfills.

What are the advantages of using a bottle return machine?

1. fast and convenient packaging return process,
2. possibility of recovering the deposit,
3. support for effective recycling,
4. reduction of plastic waste,
5. a step towards protecting the environment.

Summary – key information about bottle return machines

You already know that a bottle return machine is a device that accepts bottles, cans and glass bottles. The process is simple – you insert the bottle with the barcode facing up, the machine recognises it and crushes it. It is worth learning more about how bottle return machines work, as the deposit system in Poland will come into force on 1 October 2025.

Remember that the deposit is refunded in these machines by means of a receipt issued by the machine. Shops larger than 200 m² will be required to install bottle return machines. However, it is worth the effort, as this innovative and modern solution supports environmental protection and ecological awareness among consumers.