Uno - Tomra

collection tecHnology
User convenience
The TOMRA automated recycling center makes it easy for consumers to recycle, as well as providing them
with the chance to receive extra incentives such as product discounts or giveaways. The interactive user
station features a large color display, four programmable buttons for displaying information, and a keyfob
and/or magnetic swipe reader for registering return data on memory cards.
from pilot to serial production
TOMRA’s development of its automated
recycling center first started over five
years ago, and the collaboration with
Tesco began in 2004. first a pilot program
was established to test out the
concept at six Tesco supermarkets in
the Greater London area over a period
of 18 months. The centers proved to
be popular with the public, with the
amount of recycling increasing by 50
percent within two months after the
centers were installed.
In June TOMRA and Tesco signed an
agreement for the delivery of 100 centers
to Tesco stores located throughout
the UK. The first of the new centers was
installed in November of 2006 (pictured
in this article), and the remaining centers
will be installed throughout 2007.
Design modifications
The center now being rolled out to Tesco
features a number of improvements on
the original pilot center design:
� smaller footprint. The depth of the
new center is almost half of the depth
of the pilot center, requiring less park-
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ing lot space and reducing the cost of
installation.
improved access. Access to the storage
bins has been moved from the
back to the front, further reducing the
amount of space needed around the
machine. Access to the maintenance
and service areas within the center
has also been made easier.
next generation technology. A number
of technology improvements are also
included in the new platform, including
a redesign of the glass crusher,
user station, and control functions. The
new TOMRA holoChip material sensor
has now also been integrated (see
also Summer 2005 issue of RETURN).
improved user interface. More detailed
information is now provided to users
through the interactive display, including
what can be recycled at the center,
how the machine works and what happens
to the materials collected. Seethrough
panels have also been added
so that children can see the conveyor
system in action when materials are
inserted at the user station.