Lidl launches bottle return scheme trial
Lidl is rolling out a trial of a bottle return scheme in the Glasgow area.
The move allows shoppers to gain unlimited cash rewards in return for empty PET plastic and aluminium drinks containers being deposited in in-store reverse vending machines.
Rolling out across all 21 of its Glasgow stores, the scheme will see customers receiving a 5p reward for each eligible item that they return. This can either be redeemed against their shopping or donated to Lidl’s charity partner, The STV Children’s appeal.
Lidl said there will be no cap on the number of items that can be returned, and the discounter will accept qualifying bottles and cans purchased from any retailer if the items are clean and uncrushed.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “We’re on a mission to eliminate all unnecessary waste, and with over 95% of our own-brand packaging now recyclable, reusable, or refillable we’ve been making great progress. We know that Lidl shoppers share this passion, and we hope that utilising this infrastructure, which might otherwise have been left dormant, will help to make recycling their cans and bottles even more convenient for them. With our extra incentive thrown in, and no cap on the number of items that can be recycled, it’s a win-win for all.”
The launch follows the Scottish Government’s decision to delay the introduction of its Deposit Return Scheme from its original go-live date of 16 August 2023.
Lidl expects the pilot to result in a minimum 10.5 tonnes of plastic and aluminium material being recycled each month.
The trial will run until 11 August.
