Lidl launches Ireland’s first deposit return scheme

Lidl Ireland becomes the first retailer in Ireland to introduce reverse deposit vending machines.

The machines will enable customers to deposit used plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans for cash back vouchers that can be redeemed at the store.

The reverse vending machines aim to forward 1,500 tons of plastic annually which will then be manufactured into new products.

The trial is the start of a larger launch across the Lidl store network with the ambition of having a nationwide scheme by 2023 in line with government targets.

Reverse vending machines are easy to use and will accept both PET plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans purchased from Lidl and other retailers.

For each deposited unit, the customer will receive a voucher of 0.10 EUR in return with a maximum receipt of 2 EUR. The machine can collect and process up to 17,000 units per week which is about 1,500 tons per year when rolled out in Lidl’s 170 stores across the country.

government scheme

Commenting on the launch, Eamonn Ryan, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, said: “Support of the Irish public and a willingness to adapt behaviors will be essential if we are to successfully transition to a circular economy in the future years.

“The reverse vending machine, which Lidl is launching today as part of its demo deposit and return scheme, is a welcome development.

« It will enable the public to interact with a straightforward filing and return system, while providing valuable feedback that will help kick-start implementation of a nationwide government-led scheme next year. »

JP Scully, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our business and we are exceptionally proud to be the first to enter the market with this industry-leading approach to a deposit return scheme.

“As a retailer with a large footprint across the country, we have the opportunity to make a real difference in terms of consumer habits, and we hope our experience will help support and inform other retailers, large and small, in their efforts to roll out the national scheme in line with legislative changes in 2022. «