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26th May 2022

Lidl to launch its second ‘reverse vending machine’ in Ireland next week

Hugh Carr

lidl reverse vending machine

The supermarket chain aims to have 100% recyclable, reusable, or renewable own-brand packaging by 2025.

Following trials in Dublin, Lidl has announced the introduction of more “reverse vending machines” across the country to encourage recycling.

The second machine in the rollout will be introduced in a new store in Claremorris in Mayo next Thursday (2 June).

The ‘reverse vending machine’ allows shoppers to deposit used plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans in return for money-back vouchers that can be used in-store.

The machine will be used to facilitate the Government’s new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which will encourage consumers to recycle more.

So far, the first machine, based in a Lidl in Glenageary, Dublin, has collected nearly 300,000 containers.

“Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we were exceptionally proud to be first-to-market with our approach to a Deposit Return Scheme in Lidl Glenageary,” said J.P Scally, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“We’re pleased with the results of the trial so far – high engagement from our customers and a machine that is seamless and functional – and are proactively working with other stakeholders and sharing our learnings from the trial.

“We are also delighted to launch our second reverse vending machine in our new store in Claremorris this week and look forward to receiving feedback on it from the Claremorris community.

“As a retailer with a significant footprint across the country, we have the opportunity to drive real change where consumer habits are concerned, and we hope our trials will help support other retailers in their efforts to roll out the nationwide scheme in line with legislative changes this year.

“We have already made significant progress against our own targets of an overall plastic reduction and believe that our proactive and industry-leading approach underscores our commitment to being the most sustainable supermarket in the country.”

Lidl has previously taken other actions to improve sustainability, such as the removal of single use plastic items from stores and replacing them with non-plastic alternatives.

The chain aims to have 100% recyclable, reusable, or renewable own-brand packaging by 2025, with 50% of the materials used in packaging coming from recycled materials.

Aldi launched a ‘reverse vending machine’ of its own earlier this year in Mitchelstown in Cork.