The Guarantee-Return System (SGR) has changed the way we collect plastic, glass and aluminum packaging. In large cities, collection points appear in supermarket parking lots, near markets or in residential neighborhoods. Their success depends not only on the RVM equipment installed, but also on the correct positioning of the container that houses them.
A well-placed container attracts users, allows for quick emptying of packaging and complies with local regulations. A poorly placed container generates blockages, complaints and additional costs. Therefore, planning must be done carefully, regardless of whether you represent a chain of stores, a public institution or manage a private space.
1. Clarify the purpose and capacity of the SGR point
When choosing an RVM container-type SGR point, you start from the role it will have in the location. You determine whether it will take on a low volume of packaging, specific to a space with limited traffic, or whether it will serve a commercial area with a high flow of users. The purpose influences the size of the container, the number of RVM equipment and the space required for temporary storage of the collected packaging.
The capacity should be determined based on the estimated number of users and the rate of return of packaging. A compact container can support a single RVM equipment and limited space for collection. For larger volumes, containers with an extended surface can be considered, allowing for the integration of equipment, user access and the organization of the collection area without crowding.
Who is recycling containers intended for the SGR system produced by FDC Containers, planning must be done from the bidding phase. The dimensions, the access position, the location of the RVM equipment and the remaining space for the collected packages are established. Thus, the container responds to the purpose for which it is produced and can support the necessary capacity depending on the estimated volume.
2. Check local regulations and authorization procedure
Before deciding to locate SGR recycling containers in an urban area, consult your local city hall to understand the conditions applicable to your chosen area. Each locality may have different requirements for occupying public or private land with public access, for positioning the container, and for integrating it into the existing space. Talking to your city hall helps you determine in advance whether the proposed location is acceptable and what documents need to be prepared, if any.
Access to the location must be ensured. Check in advance whether the transport can reach the assembly point, if there is space for unloading and if the area allows access for the technical team. The container must be positioned so that users can easily reach the RVM equipment and the responsible personnel can intervene for emptying, checking or operation.
Your local city hall may indicate limitations related to pedestrian routes, green areas, parking lots, distances from buildings or nearby traffic. By checking these aspects before ordering, you reduce the risk of subsequent changes and choose a suitable location for the SGR point to operate.
3. Call on specialists for installation
For the placement of recycling containers, collaboration with a specialized team is important from the preparation stage to the handover of the product. An assembly carried out by experienced personnel reduces the risk of delays and helps to properly integrate the containers in spaces with pedestrian traffic, car access, commercial areas or high-flow collection points. The assembly team works according to the agreed project and aims to ensure that each stage is executed in an orderly manner, without improvised interventions.
An urban collection point requires careful organization, as the container must be able to withstand frequent use and access by people who come to return packaging. Therefore, assembly should not be treated as a secondary stage. A specialized team, such as Containere FDC, understands the technical requirements of the containers, the pace of work and the relationship between transport, unloading and commissioning. Through proper coordination, the time spent on site is reduced and the project can be completed more efficiently.
FDC Containers manufactures the containers entirely, delivers them and ensures their assembly with its own team. The containers are mounted on concrete slabs or pillars, at least 10 cm above the ground, for proper ventilation of the container.
4. Consider insulation
For the placement of recycling containers, insulation plays an important role in maintaining a stable interior space and protected from temperature variations. A container intended for packaging collection must be designed for constant use, repeated traffic and exposure to external factors.
FDC containers are produced in the factory from scratch premium recycling containers, with walls made of 40 mm thick PIR foam sandwich panels, mineral wool on the ceiling and polystyrene on the floor. This contributes to maintaining optimal conditions for equipment, collected packaging and operating activity.
The 40 mm PIR foam sandwich panel walls provide suitable thermal protection for a recycling container located in urban areas. The material helps to limit heat transfer through the walls and supports a more balanced indoor environment during periods of high or low temperatures. The mineral wool in the ceiling contributes to the protection of the upper area, where exposure to the sun and temperature changes can influence indoor comfort. The polystyrene in the floor completes the construction and helps to separate the interior space from the location surface.
5. Optimize access for users and operators
Think about the flow from the design stage. Users must easily reach the machine, and the operator must be able to empty the container without blockages.
Leave a minimum of 1,2 meters of clear space in front of the access area. If there is a difference in level, install a ramp with a maximum slope of 8–10% and a non-slip surface. Clearly mark the pedestrian route, especially in large parking lots.
For operators, ensure a minimum of 2 meters in front of technical doors. The collection vehicle must reach the loading point quickly. In crowded areas, use ground markings and vertical signage to prevent illegal parking.
6. Aesthetically integrate the container into the urban environment
For recycling containers, visual integration must be considered from the design stage, not after placement. The container becomes part of the urban space and must fit the area in which it will operate: commercial parking, pedestrian area, proximity to a store or space with constant traffic. The proportions, colors and exterior appearance are established during the bidding phase, so that the final result supports the identity of the project and maintains an orderly presence in the location.
The customer establishes the desired RAL colors for the container, its frame and the interior or exterior walls, and the FDC Containers team integrates them into the final configuration. You can choose paneling, wood imitation foil, joinery color and ribbing, depending on the desired image for the RVM container SGR point. All choices must be established before production, so that the design is included in the final project.
7. Avoid common placement mistakes
Incomplete planning generates problems from the first months. The most common situations are:
- Container placed too close to property boundaries. This situation can create difficulties in access or use. Avoid the problem by checking the terrain before ordering and by establishing a position that allows access and operation without blockages;
- Lack of an access ramp. For easier use, choose recycling containers with access ramp, especially when the SGR point must allow for quick entry and exit of users and easy handling of packages;
- Lack of access for the collection vehicle. If the route is not planned in advance, emptying the container becomes difficult. Avoid this mistake by planning an access area for the collection vehicle and by keeping a clear route to the SGR point;
- Insufficient exterior lighting. A poorly lit space can reduce usage during the evening and night. Avoid the problem by including lighting in the site analysis and by establishing the necessary points during the design stage. After receiving the container, purchase and install the necessary outdoor lighting fixtures;
- Choosing an inappropriate structure for the estimated traffic. Avoid this mistake by opting for 500 kg capacity recycling containers, especially in urban areas with frequent use, where user access and packaging handling constantly place demands on the floor and access structure;
- Undersizing the space in relation to the actual volume of packaging. A container that is too small can quickly become crowded. Avoid this situation by estimating the volume of packaging, the frequency of collection and the space required for the RVM equipment;
- Lack of additional security elements. During the design phase, you can integrate additional security elements to the factory equipment, depending on the location and the desired level of protection. After receiving the container, you can purchase and install video cameras, an alarm system, motion sensors, magnetic door sensors, an access control system or outdoor sensor lighting. Mention these requirements in advance, so that the space is prepared with dedicated gripping areas and routes.
If you are planning a new SGR point or want to optimize an existing one, talk to the FDC Containers team and request a quote adapted to your location.
FAQs
What does an RVM container type SGR point mean?
A RVM (Reverse Vending Machine) container-type SGR point is a space configured for the integration of an automatic returnable packaging collection equipment. The container houses the RVM equipment and the area required for the collected packaging, depending on the estimated volume and user flow.
For which locations is an SGR recycling container suitable?
An SGR recycling container is suitable for areas with frequent public access, such as commercial parking lots, proximity to shops, markets or residential areas. The choice of location should be made based on the flow of people, access for users and the space available for operation.
When is the container configuration established?
The configuration is established before production, during the bidding and design phase. This is when the dimensions, access, position of the RVM equipment and the space for collected packaging are decided, so that the final product meets the purpose for which it is made.
