Lidl shoppers can get money off shops and 'uncapped' savings through new scheme

08 February 2024 , 10:21

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Lidl is launching a bottle return scheme (Image: South Wales Echo)

Lidl supermarket shoppers can get “uncapped savings” off their weekly shop through a new recycling scheme.

The supermarket is launching a bottle return scheme trial in Glasgow until August 11, where customers will be able to get vouchers in exchange for depositing empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans. Shoppers will get a 5p voucher for each eligible item they return - this can then be spent in stores or donated to The STV Children’s appeal.

There is no cap on the number of items that can be returned, and Lidl will accept bottles and cans purchased from any retailer, as long as they are clean and uncrushed. Similar schemes have been trialled before by Sainsbury's and Iceland.

The new Lidl scheme is being rolled out across all 21 of Glasgow stores before it is potentially expanded to further locations. It’s anticipated that the pilot will result in a minimum 10.5 tonnes of plastic and aluminium material being recycled each month, with the material being used to create new plastic and aluminium product.

The machines will accept single-use drinks packaging made from either polyethylene terephthalate (or PET plastic) or aluminium. They need to be 100ml to 3L in size and have a readable barcode to scan at the point of donation. Dairy items, such as HDPE plastic milk or yoghurt drinks, Tetra-pack, paper-based cartons, glass or pouches are not eligible for return.

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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.”

Levi Winchester