In brief: A counting centre (SDM) is the facility where packaging collected from reverse vending machines (DİM) and other return points is counted, verified and prepared for recycling. It represents one of the most capital-intensive investments in a deposit return system; a poorly located or incorrectly sized SDM generates unnecessary operational costs throughout its entire lifecycle.
What does an SDM do?
In a deposit return system, the deposit amount for every container is refunded to the consumer. Therefore, every collected item must be counted and verified to ensure it actually falls within the scope of the system. The SDM is where this physical verification takes place; counting results are transmitted to the Deposit Information Management System (DBYS), and the operator's service fee is calculated based on these official records. In regulatory documents, the SDM is also referred to as a verification facility.
Counting and verification line (SDH)
The heart of an SDM is its counting and verification lines (SDH). An SDH identifies, counts and verifies containers by material type (glass, PET, aluminium); compacts PET and aluminium, crushes or sorts glass intact, and transmits data for every operation to the DBYS. Like reverse vending machines (DİM), SDH equipment must be selected from registered models produced by authorised manufacturers.
Workflow in an SDM
- Inbound acceptance: Receiving and logging bags and crates delivered by collection vehicles.
- Feeding: Transferring packaging onto the counting and verification lines.
- Counting and verification: Identifying, counting and verifying that containers fall within the scope of the system.
- Sorting and volume reduction: Sorting by material type; compacting or crushing.
- Baling and storage: Preparing sorted materials for dispatch to recyclers.
- Outbound shipping: Dispatching verified materials to recycling facilities. Non-verified containers are segregated from verified streams.
Establishing an SDM: Key steps
- Service region and volume analysis: Modelling the provinces served and the return point network.
- Site selection: Evaluating candidate locations for logistical access, footprint, floor capacity, power infrastructure and permitting.
- Capacity and line design: Daily throughput requirements, line counts, shift structures and storage layout.
- Equipment and supplier evaluation: Technical specifications, tender comparisons and contract negotiations.
- Compliance with TÜÇA requirements: Verification protocols, security and access control, data logging and reporting infrastructure.
- Operational model: Staffing plans, standard operating procedures and key performance indicators.
An SDM is a network decision, not just a construction decision
Which provinces the SDM will serve, which routes collection vehicles will follow to supply it, and what daily counting capacity needs to be built must be finalized prior to investment. Correcting location or sizing errors after construction is extremely costly. Therefore, SDM design must derive from the same core calculations as the operator's deposit field implementation plan (DESUP).
BLN Çevre Teknolojileri is currently carrying out the design, engineering and setup of SDM facilities in two neighbouring provinces for authorised DRS operators (DSYS operators). For an overview of how the system operates: What is DSYS?
Frequently asked questions
What is an SDM?
A counting centre (SDM) is a facility where packaging collected from return points is counted and verified using counting and verification lines, sorted by material type, baled, and dispatched to recycling facilities. In official documents, it is also referred to as a verification facility.
What is an SDH?
A counting and verification line (SDH) is an automated processing line inside an SDM that identifies, counts, verifies, compacts or crushes packaging by type (glass, PET, aluminium) and transmits transaction data to the DBYS.
What does the establishment of an SDM entail?
It covers service region and volume analysis, site selection, capacity and line design, equipment and supplier evaluation, compliance with TÜÇA requirements, and operational modelling.
What should be considered when choosing an SDM location?
The provinces to be served, collection distance to return points, vehicle access and manoeuvring area, floor load-bearing capacity, energy infrastructure, and required statutory permits must be evaluated together.
Sources
- Turkish Environment Agency (TÜÇA)
- Deposit Information Management System (DBYS)
- DBYS — Authorised RVM manufacturers
- Anadolu Agency — Türkiye's deposit return system for beverage containers expected to boost economy, cut waste
Where are you in your DSYS process? Whether it is authorisation, DESUP, SDM or operations: let us evaluate your status together in an initial consultation.
Schedule a Strategic Call →