Lidl Ireland has become the first Irish retailer to hit 100 million returns as part of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which launched on 1 February.
The discounter reached the milestone today, processing nearly one fifth of Ireland’s total DRS bottle and can recycling through its 180 stores around the country.
Operator Re-turn recently announced that half a billion drinks containers had been returned since the start of the scheme.
Lidl customers in Churchfield, Co. Cork, have made the most returns, with over 1.8 million drinks containers to date.
This is followed by residents of Tyrrelstown and Finglas, both in Dublin, with 1.2 million and 1.1 million returns, respectively.
With two reverse vending machines (RVMs) available at every Lidl store in Ireland, the retailer has so far invested more than €50 million in installing and upgrading its machines to meet the high processing demand.
According to the latest statistics, customers are recycling, on average, around 24 bottles and cans per visit at Lidl stores and redeeming an average of over €4.20 in deposit payouts each time.
‘Commit To A Sustainable Future’
Commenting on the milestone, the chief executive of Lidl Ireland, Robert Ryan, said, “We’re delighted to lead the retail sector in contributing significantly to Ireland’s sustainability targets and to reach the 100-million-containers-returned milestone after just seven months of the scheme being live.
“As the first retailer to launch a DRS trial back in 2021 – at our stores in Glenageary, in Dublin, and Claremorris, in Mayo – we have prioritised providing a customer-centric experience, so that everyone can come to a Lidl store and be confident in using the RVMs to claim back their deposits in an accessible, quick and easy way.
“At the outset of the scheme launching, we planned to process around 3.6 million units per week across 180 stores, but this has been surpassed by up to 25% in some weeks.
“I’m delighted that the Irish public is choosing to commit to a sustainable future with Lidl.”
Ryan also noted the cost-of-living pressures facing customers and how they relate to the scheme.
He said, “With high redemption rates across all our stores around the country, it’s clear to see that customers are using the DRS refunds to save on their next shopping bill, and many are even using it to load up their Lidl Christmas Savings Card to help prepare for the festive season ahead.
“In these challenging economic times, it’s more important than ever that customers are supported to fully embrace the scheme and ensure they keep deposit money spent within the household budget.”
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