UK: Lidl launches bottle return scheme trial in Glasgow stores

UK: Lidl launches bottle return scheme trial in Glasgow stores

Sustainability

Lidl takes a pioneering step as the 'first supermarket to pilot its own bottle return scheme across an entire city'.

Shoppers in Glasgow can now benefit from unlimited cash rewards by returning empty PET plastic and aluminium drinks containers through in-store reverse vending machines.

Shoppers will receive a 5p reward for each eligible item returned, redeemable against their shopping or donation to Lidl's longstanding charity partner, The STV Children’s Appeal, supported since 2011.

With no limit on the number of items that can be returned, and acceptance of qualifying bottles and cans from any retailer, provided they are clean and uncrushed, Lidl incentivises shoppers to actively contribute to plastic pollution reduction.

This initiative follows the Scottish Government's postponement of its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) from the original go-live date of August 16, 2023. Lidl's scheme ensures continued shopper access to established infrastructure previously set up by the discounter.

© Lidl GB

Unlike DRS, Lidl's bottle return scheme does not entail a deposit on the retail price of the original product.

Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB comments: 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 pilot is expected to yield a minimum of 10.5 tonnes of recycled plastic and aluminium material monthly, contributing to the creation of new plastic and aluminium products.

The Lidl Return Scheme trial runs in select Glasgow stores from February 8, 2024, to August 11, 2024.

Latest Packaging News

What Washington’s new EPR law means for brands, recyclers, and policymakers
Business

What Washington’s new EPR law means for brands, recyclers, and policymakers

On 17 May 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5284, officially known as the Recycling...
Unlocking small-batch agility: Kutudeposu chooses Aopack BM2508 box maker
Supplier News

Unlocking small-batch agility: Kutudeposu chooses Aopack BM2508 box maker

Confronted with rising demand for specialised, small-batch packaging, Turkish innovator Kutudeposu...
Snack Connection enhances efficiency with the case packer from Syntegon
Supplier News

Snack Connection enhances efficiency with the case packer from Syntegon

Snack Connection, a leading Netherlands-based manufacturer of nuts, kernels, and seeds, has...
Costco to sell planters made from recycled cartons in collaboration with Tetra Pak & Keter
Supplier News

Costco to sell planters made from recycled cartons in collaboration with Tetra Pak & Keter

Tetra Pak and Keter have announced a new partnership with the launch of Cube Planters made out of...
Reloop report finds 54% less beach litter in countries with DRS
Sustainability

Reloop report finds 54% less beach litter in countries with DRS

Reloop has released its latest report, Littered with Evidence: Proof that Deposit Return Systems...