Switching to reusable containers is now a given for many festivals, sporting events, and local governments. Yet behind this transition lies a crucial question:
How can you handle the deposit system without complicating the event's organization?
Because the real challenge of reuse is no longer the container itself. It's how it's managed.
Collecting deposits, issuing refunds, collecting containers, tracking inventory, minimizing losses, measuring performance… As foot traffic increases, these operations quickly become a major logistical challenge. The good news? Today, there are solutions that can automate this entire process.
Why the Traditional Deposit System Is Reaching Its Limits
For a long time, the deposit system was based on a simple model: a cup, a token, or a manual refund. This system remains suitable for small events, but quickly reaches its limits when several thousand visitors are expected.
Organizers must then handle:
- lines at the drop-off points;
- staff dedicated to processing deposit refunds;
- handling of cash or tokens;
- a lack of visibility regarding the containers that are actually in circulation;
- significant losses of cups or tableware.
Reuse therefore becomes more complicated to implement than single-use items. Yet the goal is precisely the opposite.
What is an automated (de)consignment?
An automated (de)deposit system involves integrating container returns directly into the visitor's journey.
The principle is simple:
- The visitor pays for their drink as well as the deposit;
- Each container is individually identified (using RFID or a QR code, depending on the system);
- After use, it is placed in a self-service collection bin;
- the deposit is automatically refunded;
- The organizers monitor the system's performance in real time.
The visitor performs just one action. All the complexity is handled behind the scenes.
The 5 Pillars of an Effective Digital Locker System
Not all digital locker solutions are created equal. To be truly effective, a system must combine several complementary elements.
1. Identifiable containers
Each container must be individually identifiable to ensure traceability and obtain reliable data on returns.
2. Integration into the payment process
Payment for purchases and deposit management must work together to avoid duplicate steps and simplify the user experience.
3. Intuitive recycling bins
The return must be quick, visible, and possible to perform without assistance. The simpler the action, the higher the return rate.
4. An automated refund
Visitors should not have to wait in line or look for a refund location. Refunds must be immediate and transparent.
5. Real-time control
Tracking containers in circulation, monitoring the return rate, and identifying areas that need restocking helps optimize the system during the event—not just afterward.
What are the benefits for organizers?
An effective digital deposit system offers benefits that go far beyond simply reimbursing customers for their containers.
In particular, it allows you to:
- improve the flow of visitors;
- reduce the number of steps involved and errors related to reimbursements;
- reduce container loss;
- have specific indicators on the performance of reuse;
- simplify the operation of retail locations.
Reuse thus becomes a powerful tool for operational performance.
What about visitors?
Experience is just as important. A good digital deposit system should be virtually invisible.
Visitors order their drinks, enjoy the event, place their containers in a collection bin, and automatically receive their deposit refund.
No lines.
No handling of cash.
No complicated steps.
Reuse is becoming second nature.
Feedback: The Arctic Vendée
This approach was implemented during the Vendée Arctique, an event that attracted nearly 100,000 visitors.
For this edition, Wobz rolled out a comprehensive digital deposit solution that includes:
- more than 28,000 reusable cups;
- 6 recycling bins located throughout the village;
- a digital locker connected to the Easytransac payment solution;
- a real-time performance monitoring dashboard.
The Results
- 86% return rate
- More than 6,300 reuse loops
- A seamless return experience for visitors
- Simplified operations for on-site teams
This collaboration demonstrates that an effective reuse system does not rely solely on containers or payment. It relies on integrating the entire user journey.
The approach developed by Wobz: MagicLoop®
To address these challenges, Wobz has developed MagicLoop®, a solution that brings together all the components needed for a high-performance digital return system:
- individually identifiable reusable containers;
- MagicBin® collection bins;
- a digital locker system integrated with payment solutions;
- real-time control via MagicStudio®;
- Comprehensive management of the container lifecycle, from manufacturing to industrial washing and return to circulation.
Our goal is simple: to enable event organizers to implement reuse on a large scale without complicating their operations.
Would you like to make it easier to reuse items at your event?
Our teams will work with you to design a solution tailored to your event, your visitor traffic, and your environmental goals.
Who we are
With more than 60,000 customers, Easytransac capitalizes on a decade of expertise in various payment solutions (distance selling, ecommerce, convenience selling, cashless, mobile payment...).
Easytransac is at the forefront of innovation in the ecosystem of electronic payments and hybrid and cashless solutions that meet the requirements of e-tailers, event professionals and SMEs.
Our platform simplifies transactions and enriches the user experience, thanks to an intuitive interface and real-time tracking, while ensuring security at every payment.
Have a project? Don't wait any longer! Contact our teams HERE.
