Carlow shoppers cash in over €2m after returning 12.5 million cans and bottles

Carlow shoppers have pocketed more than €2 million in refunds after returning over 12.5 million drinks cans and bottles through the national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Figures released this week by supermarket giant ALDI show that customers across the county have enthusiastically embraced the initiative since its launch in February 2024, with more than 12.5 million containers recycled to date through just the county's four stores in Carlow Town, Graiguecullen, Tullow and Bagenalstown.

Under the DRS programme, empty bottles and can containers marked with the Re-turn logo can be returned to the reverse vending machine at all participating retailers. The scheme aims to cut litter and boost recycling nationwide by rewarding people for returning empty drink containers.

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ALDI's Plastics and Packaging Manager, Jason Carolan, said the public's response in Carlow has been remarkable.

"I'm delighted to see the people of Carlow embrace the scheme so enthusiastically, with over 12.5 million containers returned to date," he said. "We look forward to seeing even more milestones reached as communities and shoppers continue to engage with the scheme and support a more sustainable shopping experience."

Nationally, more than 363 million items have been returned through ALDI's 164 stores across Ireland, with shoppers redeeming almost €62 million in deposits.

The supermarket chain has also added a new feature to the scheme, allowing customers to donate their DRS refunds directly to children's charity Barnardos.

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Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communication, Mary Gamble, said the new donation option offered an easy way for people to give back.

"Through the press of a button, ALDI customers can choose to donate their deposit to support children in Ireland who need it most," she said. "This initiative yet again shows our shared commitment to supporting vulnerable families while promoting environmental sustainability."

The DRS programme, led by Re-turn, has been widely credited with reducing litter and improving recycling habits nationwide.

All containers marked with the Re-turn logo can be returned at participating retailers, regardless of where they were bought, with customers able to receive their refund in cash, through vouchers, or now by donating directly to Barnardos via ALDI stores.