ALDI leads the way in Ireland with new Re-turn saving cards, allowing customers to store cashback from their recycling efforts as €30 million is claimed in a year.
In Cork, ALDI stores have returned over 25 million items, claiming €4.3 million in just one year. It’s common to see shoppers with bags of empties at DRS machines.
ALDI expects to reach 200 million returned cans and bottles by February. They’re introducing savings cards for customers to store cashback for future shopping.
This move comes with an investment to enhance the DRS across all 163 ALDI stores in Ireland. The new card makes it easier for customers to manage their returns.
Customers can load DRS voucher values onto their ALDI Savings Card, avoiding the hassle of paper vouchers. The scheme has exceeded recycling targets, with a 140% return rate reported.
Irish customers are recycling more than the EU average, returning 20-25 units per visit. Jason Carolan from ALDI Ireland noted the scheme’s popularity and plans for improvements.
The DRS has significantly boosted recycling rates in Ireland, which were previously low compared to Europe.