Donegal shoppers return over 11 million DRS containers through ALDI stores

ALDI customers in Donegal have returned a whopping 11 million drinks cans and bottles since the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was launched in February 2024.

This equates to almost €2 million redeemed through cash or vouchers. ALDI operates six stores across Donegal: Ballybofey, Buncrana, Donegal Town, Dungloe, and two stores in Letterkenny.

Nationally, shoppers have returned more than 363 million items to ALDI’s 164 stores, redeeming almost €62 million in cash or vouchers since February last year. Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) are available at all ALDI locations across the country, with 75 stores having machines located outside the stores themselves, allowing customers to return their DRS items in a convenient and sustainable manner.

Jason Carolan, Plastics & Packaging Manager at ALDI Ireland, commented: “ALDI is proud to participate in the DRS programme, which reflects our ongoing commitment to waste reduction and supporting a circular economy. We have significantly invested in the scheme since it launched last year, with reverse vending machines now available at all of our 164 stores nationwide.

“In February, we marked one year of DRS with the introduction of the ALDI Savings Card, making it even easier for customers to collect their deposits and budget for their shopping. 

“I’m delighted to see the people of Donegal embrace the scheme so enthusiastically, with over 11 million containers returned to date. 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.” 

ALDI Ireland is also pleased to announce that customers can now choose to donate their returned deposit directly to Barnardos children’s charity, its long-standing charity partner, with donations going directly to supporting vulnerable children and families across Ireland. 

Mary Gamble, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communication at Barnardos Ireland said: “Barnardos is very excited about this new opportunity for families to support our work. Through the press of a button, ALDI customers can choose to donate their deposit to support children in Ireland who need it most. 

“This initiative yet again shows our shared commitment to supporting vulnerable families while promoting environmental sustainability. We are so grateful for this dedicated partnership with ALDI and their valued customers. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.”

This new donation option will be available at the point of receipt at ALDI’s DRS Reverse Vending Machines. Customers can still choose to redeem their DRS vouchers - earned by returning empty bottles and cans - in cash, or to load the value directly onto the ALDI DRS Savings Card. Customers will still receive a receipt for their records.

Under the DRS programme, empty bottles and cans containers marked with the Re-turn logo can be returned to the reverse vending machine at all participating retailers, regardless of where the item was originally purchased. Customers receive a voucher for their returned items, which can be put against their shopping bill or returned in cash or now donate directly to Barnardos.

The scheme aims to reduce the amount of litter across Irish towns, villages and countryside, by incentivising consumers to recycle their empty items.

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In February 2025, ALDI launched its Savings Card, allowing customers to load the value of their DRS returns directly onto the card, promoting both convenience and sustainability. The Savings Card, available in all 164 stores nationwide, reflects ALDI’s continued commitment to making sustainability more accessible for its customers while continuing to drive everyday low prices across its grocery and product range. 

ALDI also added a new compactor at its Naas Distribution Centre to accelerate the processing of returned materials.