SuperValu and Centra reach 125m DRS returns since launch
With a 95% return rate since June, SuperValu and Centra drive Ireland’s shift to sustainable recycling
Print7 October 2024
SuperValu and Centra have announced the return of more than 125 million eligible single-use containers through the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) within its first eight months, becoming the first retailers in Ireland to reach this milestone.
This achievement represents the largest number of returns in the country and highlights a significant shift in the nation’s recycling habits.
Since the scheme’s launch in February, SuperValu and Centra stores have achieved a total of 125 million returned containers.
Return rates
Public engagement has surged in recent months, with more than 91 million containers returned since June alone, resulting in a return rate of more than 95% for that period.
This rate indicates the proportion of containers returned through Reverse Vending Machines in SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide, relative to total container sales.
Stores in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Galway, and Kildare have seen the highest volume of returns within the SuperValu and Centra store network.
Launching in February this year, SuperValu and Centra invested €28 million in Reverse Vending Machines across their store networks nationwide, as part of their continued focus to build more sustainable communities.
SuperValu and Centra have installed 686 Reverse Vending Machines in 549 stores across all 26 counties in Ireland, the largest deployment by any retailer.
Easy access
This approach to DRS implementation focused on providing the most convenient option for customers, ensuring that both large and small communities nationwide have easy access to recycling return points, helping customers adapt their recycling habits.
SuperValu and Centra continue to see growing interaction with their Reverse Vending Machines as the year progresses, with a number of stores ordering larger and additional machines to facilitate demand.
According to both retailers, consumer behaviour indicates strong adoption of the scheme with weekends being the busiest period for recycling.
In recent months, consumers are bringing a higher volume of returns at once, averaging 24 containers per visit.
Recycling habits
“As a result of offering the largest number of Reverse Vending Machines in convenient locations across every county in Ireland, we are delighted to see such a high level of interaction from our customers with the Deposit Return Scheme in our stores, with over 125 million containers returned in total since its introduction in February,” said Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu and Centra.
According to Hanlon, customers are increasingly sustainability focused and it’s essential that as community retailers, SuperValu and Centra are able to empower more eco-friendly recycling habits.
“This demonstrates the positive benefits of our ‘Local Action Global Impact’ initiative, showing that small, community-based efforts can contribute to the broader fight against environmental challenges,” concluded Hanlon.
Read more: Deposit Return Scheme hailed as a positive success In Cork
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