Aldi launches largest reverse vending machine in Ireland at its Naas store
€1,000 per month to be donated to charity partner Barnardos
Print20 July 2022
Aldi has launched Ireland’s largest reverse vending machine at its Naas, Monread Road store in Co. Kildare. The newest unit is capable of collecting and storing up to 10,500 plastic bottles or 42,000 aluminium cans at any given time.
The trial follows the success of Aldi’s first reverse vending machine in its Mitchelstown, Cork store as well as the launch of a new machine at its Mallow store.
The recycling initiative comes with a twist, with a total of €1,000 per month being donated to Aldi’s charity partner Barnardos.
The move will see Aldi’s Kildare customers being encouraged to return PET plastic bottles (up to three litres in size) and aluminium drink cans to the reverse vending machine in Aldi’s store.
Aldi’s Mitchelstown reverse vending machine has experienced great demand since its introduction in February. Almost 12,500 PET plastic bottles and aluminium drink cans have been recycled through the unit, with a monthly donation of €1,000 going to Barnardos since its launch.
“Following the success of our initial reverse vending machine, we are delighted to install Ireland’s largest machine at our Naas store,” said Donald Mackay, regional managing director, Aldi Ireland.
“Having a machine with larger capacity means we can make an even greater impact on the environment and with our charity partner Barnardos. Through this initiative, we’re encouraging our customers to give to Barnardos, which is doing amazing work with vulnerable children and families, while also helping to improve the environment,” he added.
The Mayor of Naas, Evie Sammon also welcomed the initiative.
“As Mayor of Naas I am delighted Aldi has chosen its Naas store for the largest reverse vending machine in Ireland,” Sammon said. “It’s not only going to benefit the environment but will also benefit children across Ireland through its charity partner Barnardos. I look forward to it being used widely.”
Meanwhile, Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said the €1,000 monthly donation from Aldi “will help make a real difference to the vulnerable children and families we work with across the country”.
Senator Vincent P. Martin, founder and chairperson of Going Plastic Free Ireland, also commended the move, praising it as “fantastic” and said the organisation looks forward to engaging with Aldi in the future.
Aldi established a long-term partnership with Barnardos in 2020 with the aim of raising €1 million for the children’s charity. The supermarket has raised over €710,000 for Barnardos to date through a series of initiatives including the launch of its first cookbook ‘Home’ alongside the IRFU, with all profits going towards Barnardos’ Early Years and Family Support Services.
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