Lidl trials return-deposit machines at stores to recycle bottles and cans

Lidl has launched a trial, return-deposit scheme at select stores across Scotland ahead of Scottish Government plans for a similar venture nationwide.

The money-back recycling service will be available at four stores located in Hamilton, Edinburgh Granton, Glasgow Yoker and in Dundee city centre.

The deposit machines allow undamaged bottles and cans that were originally purchased in Lidl to be returned in exchange for a redeemable voucher.

Included in the recycling scheme are undamaged soda bottles and cans, water bottles, wine bottles, beer bottles and all aluminium cans, each worth 10p, with a maximum voucher value of £2.50, redeemable to spend back in the store.

Once collected, the bottles and cans are then recycled to become new drinks containers, creating a circular economy, and using fewer natural resources and less energy.

In preparation for the trial, Lidl worked closely with the

Scottish Government and its key delivery partners, including Zero Waste Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament has passed regulations to bring in a deposit return scheme by July 2022, involving charging shoppers a 20p refundable deposit on drinks cans and bottles.

Ross Millar, Lidl's regional director for Scotland, said: "This initiative reinforces our commitment to sustainability, enables our shoppers to redeem money to spend instore and supports the Scottish Government in reaching its waste reduction targets.”