Countdown on to start of Deposit Return Scheme in Louth
Four Tesco stores install indoor machines in the county
With the countdown on to start of Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Louth, Tesco Ireland says it will have state-of-the-art machines located inside all Tesco stores across the county, making returns more accessible, and comfortable, for customers to engage with DRS, particularly during the winter months.
The introduction of DRS means customers will be charged a small refundable deposit, automatically added from 1 February, on plastic bottles, aluminium, or steel cans, which customers can then claim back by returning the empty container.
Tesco Ireland says it has had ongoing engagement with Re-turn Ireland and, from June to October last year, undertook successful trials in its Tesco Extra store in Drogheda and in its Malahide Express store.
Speaking about the scheme, Darrin Honer, Country Operations Manager with Tesco Ireland, said: “We have been working hard, and have invested €15m to be ready for February 1.
"We will have a reverse vending machine in each of our 170 stores nationwide. All our machines will be indoors which will be more convenient and comfortable for our customers, and of course we’ll have colleagues on hand to guide customers through the process. We are hugely committed to playing our part in building a more sustainable world.”
Tesco Ireland says that working towards increased levels of recycling strongly links to its sustainable future ambitions, to have a net zero target of 2035 for its own operations and a commitment to cut emissions including those generated by the products it sells and across its supply chains - to zero by 2050.
Tesco offers some tips for using DRS, suggesting that people:
- Do not crush cans or bottles. Containers must be undamaged to get your refund.
- Make sure containers are empty and keep the lids on bottles.
- No dairy product bottles or food cans can be put in machine – only drinks bottles and cans.
- Look for the Re-Turn logo on the container – otherwise it will be rejected by the machine.
- Follow the instructions or ask a member of staff to help you.
- Coupons are accepted at all tills or can be refunded at the Customer Service Desk.