Questions and answers

About the machines

What is a CircleCube return machine?

CircleCube builds automated return machines for reusable cups and food containers. A camera with AI recognition identifies the returned container, the machine takes it in and pays out the deposit.

Who is a CircleCube machine for?

For anyone who wants to take back reusable packaging cleanly at one location, for example in communal catering, in bakeries and at central sites. Today more than 350 machines are in operation in more than 12 countries.

What is the difference between ReturnCube and CityCube?

Both machines work the same way. The CityCube is designed for outdoor use: it can stay outside all year and is available around the clock, for example at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.

Which containers does the machine accept?

The machine is trained on reusable packaging of all manufacturers, from cups to pizza boxes and sushi packaging.

How does the machine recognise a container?

A camera with AI image recognition identifies the container. Depending on the reuse system, the machine also reads QR codes, RFID, colour, contour or logo.

Does it work with our existing reuse system?

Yes. The machine works with all reuse systems, so you do not need a separate machine for each system.

How does a return work?

Guests put the container into the machine. The camera recognises it, the machine takes it in and pays out the deposit.

How is the deposit paid out?

The deposit is paid out as a receipt, as coins or to a card.

About the offer

What is Hardware as a Service?

You do not buy the machine, you rent it. A monthly service fee covers software updates and maintenance, and if a machine fails, we swap it or repair it in our own workshop.

Can I buy a machine?

No. CircleCube machines are only available as Hardware as a Service. You rent the machine for a fixed term.

How long is the rental term?

Rental terms run from 12 to 60 months.

What does the monthly service fee cover?

The monthly service fee covers software updates and maintenance. If a machine fails, we swap it or repair it in our own workshop.

Term and contract

What happens at the end of the term?

The contract renews automatically. If you do not want to continue, we take the machine back and you can rent a newer model. We keep using the old machine, upcycle it or refurbish it for further use. If the electronics are still up to date, we remove them and install them in another machine. We organise the pickup together with you as the operator.

Can I extend the contract or end it early?

You can extend any term to a longer one, for example from 12 to 24 or 36 months, up to 60 months. The notice period is 3 months to the end of the term. Early termination is not provided for.

Service and operation

A machine is defective, what now?

We swap the machine or repair it in our own workshop.

Which cleaning agents do you recommend?

For cleaning the machines and the reusable containers we recommend our partner Ecolab.

Data protection

Does the camera store personal data?

No, the machine does not store personal data. The camera records the inside of the machine to identify containers, and the images show only the container. We use these images to train our AI. They are stored on our own servers and in Google Drive.

Who has access to the data of the machine?

CircleCube always has access, as do the partners we have approved. The operator decides who else gets access, for example the reuse system. The data include returns, deposit amounts, the payout method (cash, card or digital payout), the reuse system and the type of container.

Reuse and law

Why is reuse such a big topic right now?

In Germany, businesses that sell takeaway food and drinks have had to offer a reusable option since 2023, at no higher price than the single-use option. The EU packaging regulation goes further: from February 2027 sellers must fill containers that customers bring themselves, and from February 2028 they must offer a reusable option through a working reuse system. Return machines make taking packaging back simple.

What is the reusable offer obligation in Germany?

Since January 2023, restaurants, cafés, bakeries and other businesses that sell food or drinks to go in Germany must also offer them in reusable packaging (Packaging Act, sections 33 and 34 VerpackG). The reusable option must not cost more than single-use. Small businesses with no more than five employees and up to 80 square metres of sales space are exempt, but must fill containers that customers bring.

What changes with the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR)?

The PPWR has applied across the EU since August 2026. For takeaway food and drinks it adds an obligation to fill containers that customers bring from February 2027 and an obligation to offer a reusable option from February 2028. The aim is to offer 10 percent of products in reusable packaging by 2030.

How does a return machine help with the reuse obligation?

Reuse only works if the packaging comes back. A return machine takes back containers from every reuse system around the clock, pays out the deposit automatically and saves your team time at the counter. Guests return packaging where it suits them, not only where they bought it.

Getting started

How do I get started?

Get in touch with us through the contact form on this website. We will talk about your location, your reuse system and the machine that fits.

Who is behind CircleCube?

CircleCube is based in Hamburg and has been building return machines for reusable packaging since 2023.