Lidl launches new bottle-return scheme that PAYS you to recycle
Amber Middleton
Content writerThe supermarket is giving customers cash vouchers in exchange for empty glass bottles and drinks cans
Lidl has launched a new recycling scheme that pays customers every time they deposit empty drinks bottles and aliminium cans.
The Lidl Return Scheme gives shoppers 5p vouchers for every eligible item they deposit. You can then earn 'uncapped savings' to spend in store or donate to charity.
Initially available across 21 stores during a trial period, the scheme opened on Thursday 8 February with the hope it will be extended nationwide.
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No cap on the number of recycled items
The Lidl Return Scheme promises to be the first supermarket with a bottle return scheme like this.
The scheme is currently being trialed across Glasgow stores.
As part of the scheme, customers can return empty bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic) and aluminium drink containers in return for 5p per item at the recycling points. This money can then be spent in Lidl stores or donated to children's charity, the STV Children’s Appeal.
Calling the scheme a 'win-win' situation, Richard Bourns, from Lidl said: 'We’re on a mission to eliminate all unnecessary waste.
'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.'
It’s anticipated that the trial will mean that at least 10.5 tonnes of plastic and aluminium material will be recycled each month and made into new products.
Where can I find the scheme?
The scheme is currently available at Lidl stores across Glasgow, including the following:
- Maryhill
- Duke Street
- St. Rollox
- Baillieston
- Crookston
- Darnley
- Tollcross
- Govan
- Bearsden
- Pollokshaws
- Balmore Road
- Jamaica Street
- Victoria Road
- Rutherglen
- Partick
- Yoker
- Giffnock
- Finnieston
- Barrhead
- Robroyston Retail Park
- Anniesland
The scheme is running for a trial period from 8 February until 11 August.
What can be donated?
Lidl's recycling machines accept single-use drink packaging that is made from PET plastic or aluminium, are 100ml – 3L in size and has a readable barcode to scan at the point of donation.
And it doesn't have to be just Lidl items, you can recycle all bottles and cans that qualify, as long as they are clean and uncrushed.
Dairy items, such as HDPE plastic milk or yoghurt drinks, Tetra-pack, paper-based cartons, glass or pouches are not eligible for return.
How do I donate?
Take your eligible items to a participating Lidl store and deposit them at one of the reverse vending machines.
Here you will receive 5p per eligible item you return which can be redeemed against your shopping or donated to charity.
There is no cap, meaning you could get serious savings on your shop, depending on how much you donate.
You could even encourage your kids to help collect plastic bottles to earn savings that can be spent instore.
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