Lidl leads the way in recycling with can and bottle return program

Lidl has become a pioneer among supermarkets by starting its own bottle return program. In the city of Glasgow, Scotland, customers can now get unlimited cash for aluminum beverage bottles and empty PET plastic containers through reverse vending machines located inside the store.

The Lidl company has launched a new promotion in its 21 Glasgow stores, and could expand to more locations. Under this offer, shoppers will receive a 5 pence incentive for each product they return. This profit can be used for future purchases or donated to Lidl’s long-time charity partner, The STV Children’s Appeal, with whom they have been collaborating since 2011.

In order to involve shoppers in the fight against plastic pollution, there are no restrictions on the number of items that can be returned. In addition, the discount store will accept bottles and cans purchased at any store as long as they are clean and intact.

The implementation of this new scheme comes after the Scottish government postponed the implementation of its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) which was scheduled for August 16, 2023. With this initiative, Lidl ensures that customers can continue to take advantage of the existing counter infrastructure.

Unlike the Deposit Refund System (DRS), the over-the-counter bottle return system does not include an additional cost over the original price of the product to be returned. It is estimated that at the end of the pilot project, at least 10.5 tons of plastic and aluminum will be recycled each month. This material will be stored and used for the production of new products made from recycled plastic and aluminum.

Lidl GB commercial director Richard Bourns said the company aims to reduce all unnecessary waste and they have made great strides by making more than 95% of their branded packaging recyclable, reusable or refillable. He also mentioned that they know that Lidl’s shoppers share this vision and hope that by using their infrastructure for recycling, it will become more convenient for them. With an added incentive and no limit on the number of items to recycle, Bourns says it’s a win-win for everyone.

From February 8, 2024 until August 11 of this year, a trial period will run at participating stores in Glasgow for the cash back program offered by Lidl. During this time, customers will be able to use this service and evaluate its effectiveness.