Counting and sorting material

Once customers have deposited their containers, it is time to sort and count them.

Containers need to be both:

• Correctly sorted:
  To ensure the materials are not contaminated before being baled and sold to the recycler.
• Counted accurately:
  For the customer to receive the correct refund amount and for the RPO to receive the correct handling fees.

 

Counting accurately

There are different methods for sorting and counting materials.

• Manual sorting and counting.
• Automated sorting and counting.
  • Customer operated machines.
  • Staff operated machines.

Some depots will use multiple methods of counting at the same location.

Manual sorting and counting

For manual counts, containers are tipped onto counting tables.

Tables need to be at a practical height for the counters and be able to hold a suitable volume of material to maximise counting efficiency. Tables that can be height adjusted are considered best practice.

Collection infrastructure for the sorted material usually surround the tables. Typically, these include:

• SULO bins.
• Cages
• IBC containers.
• Bulka bags or other smaller options for less common material such as steel, liquid paperboard, and other.

Containers can be counted by either counting them directly into a bin or cage, or, by having a hole at one end of the table with a bin placed underneath where the counted containers can be deposited.

It is integral that the staff member counts each item and material separately, deposits it into the right infrastructure, and writes down the amount counted per material so it can be captured in the POS and refunded to the customer.

Several counting sheet examples are available for download.

Counting sheets must be kept by the RPO so it can be used in cases of customer conflict or in the instance of a missing payment.

 

Automated sorting and counting

There are many different types of automation that can be used at your depot. Automation can be used for counting and sorting, as well as cash or voucher dispensing.

Before acquiring, installing, or using any type of automation, talk to your Regional Manager who can advise on the necessary steps.

All automated equipment needs to go through an approval process to ensure it meets the WA scheme requirements and passes the environmental testing that is unique to your site.

If you are interested in installing a counting machine, please check with your Regional Manager.

 

Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) 

RVMs are barcode scan machines that scan container barcodes and compare them to a collated database to find out both the eligibility and material type. The machine usually sorts the material by type.

RVMs also process payment, generally by EFT. Sometimes a voucher option is offered.

These machines can be used directly by customers.

 

Counting Machines 

Material recognition machines count containers as they are fed into the machines and use software recognition to distinguish the main material types; with manual sorting of the smaller material groups required behind the scenes.

These machines are not able to check container eligibility, so staff are still required to check customers’ containers before they are fed into the machines.

After eligibility checking is complete, these machines can be used directly by customers.

 

Container counting machines are only able to count containers without distinguishing the material type.

They are best used for a single stream of material at a time, although they are not usually used for glass for safety reasons.

Container counting machines can be used by both staff and customers, under staff supervision for eligibility and safety reasons.

 

Singulators are machines used to sort and count bulk volumes of containers using a barcode recognition system.

These types of machines are generally used behind the scenes and are not suitable for customer use.

 

Implementing counting controls

Neither manual nor automated counting can be completely trusted. No matter the sorting and counting method, controls must be implemented.

1. Keep both the counting sheets and drop & go tags (if applicable) after processing. Ideally, these are stapled with the transaction receipt.
2. Regularly calibrate automated machines to ensure the machines’ accuracy.
3. RPOs are advised to install CCTV systems. The system should include vision of the counting tables and/or counting machines. If an issue arises, RPOs can use the footage to verify counts or identify lost bags within the depot.
4. Best practice RPOs recommend random count-checks to ensure staff are manually counting correctly. This can reduce complaints regarding incorrect volumes and increase customer satisfaction. Random checks are particularly important for sites where staff work unsupervised for extended periods.
5. Consider counting into empty collection infrastructure, recording the quantity, and verifying with the customer that the count is as expected. A dispute can easily be resolved by emptying the collection infrastructure back onto the counting table and recounting the containers. If a recount is necessary, it is a good idea to count at a slower pace and out loud so the customer can count along.
6. Install signage to help customers understand what cooperation is expected of them during their visit. This includes:
   • Please remove your containers’ lids.
   • Have your member number ready.
   • Do not interrupt the counting staff to ensure a correct count.

 

 

Correctly sorting

Under the current Refund Point Agreement in Western Australia, RPOs are required to count and sort material into eleven different material types.

However, while the agreement stipulates glass must be sorted into 3 separate colours, and white PET separated from coloured PET, this is not required under our current processing arrangements.

WA RPOs are thus currently required to sort containers into eight material types:

1. Aluminium.
2. Glass.
3. Clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
4. Coloured and white polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
5. High-density polyethylene (HDPE).
6. Liquid paper board (LPB).
7. Steel.
8. Other.

A PDF listing and detailing each material, “The 8 material types”, is available for you to download.

Please note: If required at a future date, WARRRL reserves the right to activate colour sorting of glass and PET at Refund Points as per your Refund Point Agreement.

 

Some containers might be harder than others to sort into the right material type.

In these situations, you can search the product in our database, which is accessible from our website. It can also be directly accessed from your POS system or the Container for Change app.

Once you have accessed the database, scan or key in the product’s barcode. This will detail the container’s eligibility and its material type.