Lidl Ireland Becomes First Retailer to Launch a Deposit Return Scheme Trial in the Republic of Ireland

Date published: September 3, 2021

We are excited to announce our reverse vending machines to facilitate the nation’s first Deposit Return Scheme. The machines will enable customers to deposit used plastic bottles and aluminum cans in return for money-back vouchers redeemable in-store!

This reverse vending machines will aim to redirect 1,500 tonnes of plastic that will then be manufactured into new products. Although the Deposit Return Scheme is just at our Glenageary store at the moment, this is the beginning of a larger rollout across our stores with hopes to have a nationwide scheme in place by 2023 in line with government objectives.

How Does It Work?

The reverse vending machines are simple to use and will accept both plastic PET drinks bottles and aluminium cans purchased at Lidl and in other retailers. For every unit deposited a customer will receive a €0.10 voucher in return with a maximum voucher limit of €2. The machine can collect and process up to 17,000 units a week which is representative of approximately 1,500 tonnes in a year when rolled out to Lidl’s 170 stores nationwide.