upright=1.3|thumb|Reverse vending machine in an [[Aldi supermarket in Munich, Germany]]
A reverse vending machine (RVM) is a machine that allows a person to insert a used or empty glass bottle, plastic bottle, or aluminum can in exchange for a reward. After inserting the recyclable item, it is then compacted, sorted, and analyzed according to the weight, materials, and brand using the universal product code on the bottle or can. Once the item has been scanned and approved, it is then crushed and sorted into the proper storage space for the classified material. Upon processing the item, the machine rewards people with incentives, such as cash or coupons. Reverse vending machines work by permitting the user to insert the recycled containers within a specific aperture inside the machine,
New technological developments are increasingly being implemented in Europe. In 2016 alone, over 400 billion bottles were dispersed globally to consumers, with a little less than half of those bottles being amassed for recycling.
In the countries that have adopted reverse vending machines, their public and private sectors have partnered to partake in the recycling effort to forego paying extra taxes and contributing to the supply of reverse vending machines, and direct investment to get retailers and waste processors involved in the space despite the initial costs of purchasing and deployment.
With product-focused collection and recycling programs outperforming traditional recycling methods, governments are looking into automating the process by adopting government funding grant programs to help supply more machines throughout urban areas. As an example, California and Michigan have adopted "bottle bills". Yet beverage companies have put up resistance to these measures.
Locations
Asia
Kazakhstan has embraced the idea of using reverse vending machines to help in their waste management processes. As of August 2023, 16 million bottles had been collected. The RVMs stopped giving out rewards due to the upcoming Beverage Container Return Scheme which shall commence in 2026.
More than 140 grocery stores owned by UK-based retailer Tesco are planning to add RVMs.
Oceania
Australia
thumb|Reverse vending machine used in [[New South Wales' Return and Earn scheme.]]
In Australia, reverse vending machines are used as part of recycling schemes where consumers can return eligible drink containers for a 10 cent refund at automated collection points. By 2025, Australia became the first continent to have a container deposit scheme in every jurisdiction, after Tasmania became the final state to implement the scheme and installed over 100 reverse vending machines.
Russia
Other parts of the world are continuing to adopt reverse vending machines through the use of both public and private joint ventures. This digital structure significantly reduces operational and environmental costs, enhances transparency, and minimizes fraud by centralizing all transactions.
Advantages
The reverse vending machine has several environmental and economic benefits. A person can be rewarded a monetary gain or other rewards by disposing of their waste, such as plastic bottles. This economic benefit is an incentive for people to dispose of their waste correctly. The machine's design allows the user to only insert the item in, and no other action is required. The combined convenience and user-facing simplicity of such machines enables the correct sorting of waste by type and material, so it does not end up dumped in the environment. One of the focal points of having a reverse vending machine rather than a traditional recycling bin is the use of a crusher which allows for a larger capacity of storing waste. Due to these costs, private business owners typically cannot afford to acquire and manage the machines. As more corporations and private businesses begin to enter the RVM market, costs are expected to decrease and become a more common alternative to traditional recycling methods.