Huge numbers of containers returned in popular Laois stores through deposit return scheme

Almost 6 million containers have been returned in SuperValu and Centra stores in Laois during the first twelve months of the Deposit Return Scheme. 

Saturdays are the most popular day for customer recycling in SuperValu stores due to customers doing their ‘big shop’, while Centra customers recycle smaller numbers but more often, according to research conducted by the businesses. 

14 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) have been installed in SuperValu and Centra stores in Laois. 

Speaking about the scheme, Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra said: “We are pleased that as a community retailer with the largest offering of Reverse Vending Machines across every county in Ireland that SuperValu and Centra have enabled the equivalent of every citizen in Ireland being able to make a positive recycling impact. We are delighted to see such a high level of interaction from our customers in Laois with almost six million containers returned in the last 12 months. This milestone is a testament to our customers who have made recycling containers a natural part of their grocery shopping routine – they see the benefits to them and the planet and have been supportive of the initiative.

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“I would also like to thank our network of dedicated retailers who through investment and innovation have enabled a broader shift to sustainability. This is in line with our ‘Local Action Global Impact’ initiative, showing that small, community-based efforts can contribute to the broader fight against environmental challenges," added Mr Hanlon.

Nationally a total of 210 million containers have been returned, the equivalent of every citizen in Ireland recycling 42 containers under the first 12 months of the scheme.