Selective Packaging Collection with REKBOT

In the face of increasingly evident climate change, protecting the natural environment has become not only important but a top priority. Reducing carbon footprints, using recycled materials, lowering energy consumption, and relying on renewable energy sources whenever possible have become standard practices for a growing number of companies and institutions.However, industry and commerce are not the only stakeholders in building a more sustainable future. Consumers – each and every one of us – also have an important role to play. This is especially true in the case of Poland’s deposit return system. The success of the system largely depends on whether consumers return used beverage containers for recycling and how many of these materials can be recovered and reused.The requirement to pay a deposit when purchasing beverages is intended to encourage consumers not to discard empty bottles and cans, but instead return them, for example, to the point of purchase and reclaim their deposit.

“The new regulations support the principles of sustainable development. They should help reduce the amount of litter in forests, parks, and public spaces, while increasing the share of recyclable materials – in this case bottles and cans – that are returned for reprocessing,” says Małgorzata Kowalczyk, President of the Management Board of REKBOT Sp. z o.o.

“To make the process of returning containers and reclaiming deposits as simple as possible, customers will be able to use reverse vending machines, which are likely to become a standard feature in most grocery stores larger than 200 square meters across Poland. This solution benefits both retailers and consumers. Knowing that they can return empty containers at a particular store, customers will often choose to do their shopping there as well,” she adds.

Once a container has been accepted, it is directed to the compaction module and then deposited into the appropriate collection bin. The bins are equipped with drip trays that protect the interior of the machine from residual liquids, helping to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. In addition, built-in UV lamps neutralize odors originating from the collected containers.This process is repeated for each container returned by the customer. Once all containers have been processed, the user simply presses the “Finish” button. For enhanced security, the machine does not dispense cash directly, reducing the risk of theft for both the device and its users. Instead, after completing the transaction, customers receive a voucher integrated with the store’s point-of-sale system, which can be redeemed for cash at the checkout.REKBOT is compatible with the most widely used retail POS systems in Poland. The machine has a capacity of approximately 280 PET bottles and 450 aluminum cans. For added convenience, store personnel can access the collection bins from either the front or the rear of the machine, making servicing and emptying quick and efficient.

“A key feature of REKBOT machines is their versatility. The machine accepts both intact and crushed plastic containers, with or without caps. In this respect, REKBOT goes a step further than current legal requirements, as the regulations governing the collection of beverage containers state that containers returned for recycling must be clean and undamaged. As a result, REKBOT also accepts damaged containers, providing a significant advantage over many other solutions of this kind.
What is equally important is that the intake openings have been positioned at a height that makes returning bottles and cans convenient for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, as well as for children. This allows parents to encourage environmentally responsible behavior and foster environmental awareness from an early age.”
– Bartosz Grabarczyk, Sales Director, REKBOT Sp. z o.o.

An important advantage of REKBOT is its ergonomic design and ease of use. The machine is intuitive to operate and incorporates a number of thoughtful features that enhance user convenience, including practical additions such as a bag holder.

“REKBOT can identify the type of container being returned, whether it is a bottle or a can. Naturally, it is impossible to scan a bottle and then insert a can, as this is prevented by the machine’s security mechanisms. In such a case, the machine will simply return the incorrect container.We have also eliminated other potential forms of fraud. For example, a user cannot attach a string to a container and attempt to pull it back out after scanning it, as the machine’s built-in security mechanisms effectively prevent such actions.”
– Łukasz Kowalczyk, Production Director, REKBOT Sp. z o.o.

The reverse vending machine supplied by REKBOT is also energy-efficient. During intensive operation, when the compaction unit is in use, the machine consumes between 650 and 700 watts of power. However, this level of energy consumption represents only a small portion of its total operating time. In standby mode, when the machine is powered on and waiting for a customer, it consumes approximately 170 watts, while in sleep mode power consumption drops to around 70 watts.

“Operating the device is simple, as one of REKBOT’s key advantages is its ergonomic design. A clear visual status indication system allows users and staff to quickly access important information, while integration with leading point-of-sale systems ensures reliable and efficient data exchange,”
– says Szymon Pasoń of Siemens Poland.

REKBOT incorporates a wide range of Siemens components. The central element of the reverse vending machine’s control system is the SIMATIC S7-1200 controller.

“We are keen to implement this feature as quickly as possible—ideally within the current quarter. By combining Siemens’ SIMATIC Automation Tool with our own software, we will be able to perform a complete update of the entire machine, including the Siemens controllers, in less than one minute.”– Łukasz Kowalczyk, Production Director, REKBOT Sp. z o.o.