Digital Media Centre

DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME LAUNCHING AT ALDI STORES INVESTMENT OF €15M FROM IRELAND’S MOST SUSTAINABLE RETAILER

ALDI is proud to announce that it will be launching its nationwide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on 1 February 2024, coinciding with the national launch of this important consumer and sustainability initiative. Reverse vending machines have now been installed across all 161 ALDI stores nationwide in anticipation of the scheme going live on 1 February, as part of ALDI’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability. This scheme represents an investment of over €15 million by the discount retailer.  

How will the new scheme operate?

From 1 February 2024, customers who buy a drink in a plastic drinks bottle or aluminium can that feature the Re-turn logo will pay a nominal deposit in addition to the retail price of the drink.

On returning their empty, undamaged, and clean bottles/cans to any reverse vending machine, they will get their full deposit back in the form of a voucher, which can then be redeemed either for cash or against the value of their shopping in-store.

As part of the national DRS programme, any retailer that sells ‘in scope’ products is obliged to accept returns of empty, undamaged drinks containers featuring the Re-turn logo.

As part of its national rollout, ALDI has installed reverse vending machines at all 161 stores nationwide, of which 71 will be conveniently installed externally at covered DRS units, with internal DRS kiosks being installed at all remaining stores. ALDI expects to facilitate the recycling of approximately 240 million empty bottles and cans per year through its DRS machines.

ALDI is a proud supporter of this Government scheme, which further aligns with the retailer’s commitments to reduce waste and build towards a circular economy. In advance of the scheme, ALDI has previously trialled its own recycling kiosks at stores in recent years. This includes a successful trial at its Mitchelstown store, which saw the retailer and its customers donate monthly proceeds to ALDI’s charity partner Barnardos.

As part of its nationwide launch, Colin Breslin, Managing Director of Buying & Services ALDI Ireland said:

“We are delighted here at ALDI to be a part of this scheme, which aligns with our pursuit of waste reduction and nurturing a circular economy. The project represents an upfront cost of over €15m, which is further evidence of our commitment to sustainability.”

“I would encourage people to embrace this initiative from the get-go and to remind customers that ALDI will accept empty drinks items, either plastic bottles or aluminium cans, from any retailer once they have the Re-turn logo on the product in question.”

“We would encourage anyone who has questions about the Reverse Vending Machine to check out the Re-turn website at https://re-turn.ie/ and to also ask any of our staff for assistance. We’re here and happy to help!”

Speaking on the announcement of ALDI’s DRS rollout in May 2023, Minister at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth said:

“I would like to congratulate ALDI for the great progress they have made towards introducing deposit return facilities at their stores. This is a substantial but worthwhile investment for both business and the environment.

“I am delighted how the installation of infrastructure is gaining pace around the country. The Deposit Return Scheme, trading as Re-turn, is becoming a bricks and mortar reality, and in good time for our go-live date in February 2024.”

Further information can be found on Re-turn’s website here: https://re-turn.ie/