Aldi Ireland has offered tips for customers as it reveals 480,000 containers have been returned to its stores since the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
The discount retailer said over €37,500 of deposits have been claimed by Aldi customers since 1 February.
The DRS is a circular economy scheme that aims to increase recycling rates of PET plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans.
The scheme launched nationwide last month.
Aldi has installed reverse vending machines (RVMs) in all 161 of its Irish stores to ensure ease of return of containers.
Once containers are returned, a voucher is issued. With the voucher, deposits can be refunded or used against your next shop.
As customers come to terms with the new scheme, Aldi’s plastic and packaging manager Jason Carolan has shared his ten tips for the DRS.
Ten Tips
1. Empty containers with the Re-turn logo can be returned to any participating retailer.
This is regardless as to where the drink was originally purchased. It means that Aldi accepts items from other supermarkets and brands.
2.There are three exceptions where a drinks container won’t be accepted by an RVM.
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- The product is damaged and cannot be processed.
- The container is not registered as part of the DRS – possibly old stock produced before the scheme launched.
- The container is not within the required specifications – such as being made from a different material or outside the 150ml-3L capacity.
3.If there is no Re-turn logo on the product, it won’t be accepted in Aldi.
This means the product was produced before the launch of the scheme and would not have had the deposit applied at the time of purchase.
4.There is no limit to the amount of vouchers you can use at one time.
Once containers are returned through the RVMs, customers are issued a voucher with the deposit information. Multiple vouchers can be used at the checkout or to receive a refund of the amount.
5.There is no expiry date on the vouchers.
They can be used at any point. However, shoppers should remember that the voucher must be redeemed at the location it was received.
6.Do not crush empty containers – these cannot be returned.
However, if containers are only slightly damaged, they should be accepted as long as the barcode is still readable.
7.Items should be empty before you attempt to return them.
However, they do not need to be cleaned.
8.Items can be returned with or without lids.
It is recommended to keep the lid to ensure it is recycled and to prevent the bottle from being damaged, but it is not necessary.
9.If you order drinks from Aldi’s click and collect service, they can be returned in store.
Or you can use one of the external RVM units at 71 of Aldi’s stores nationwide.
10.If you’re having trouble with an RVM, just ask.
Aldi’s store teams are trained in using the machines, and are on hand to help with anything regarding returning containers. Just pop in store and check!
