Woolworths and Aldi to participate in ‘return and earn’ scheme

Woolworths

Updated to reflect Aldi’s involvement with the scheme: 16:15 AEST 11 October 2017

Supermarket giants Woolworths and Aldi have announced they will help support the delivery of the NSW Government’s sustainability initiative aimed at reducing litter in the state.

Woolworths has become the first ‘return and earn’ retail partner under the scheme and will host up to 180 refund collection points at supermarkets across the state.

“This retail partnership means the scheme will be accessible and easy for people to return their empty containers and receive their refund,” said Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton.

“This is the first step in rolling out more than 500 collection points across NSW – the roll out of reverse vending machines as part of a state-wide scheme is a first for Australia.”

The initiative dubbed Return and Earn Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), which is set to be launched on December 1, aims to halve the number of bottles and cans thrown away in parks, beaches and waterways.

Under the CDS, consumers will be able to return eligible beverage containers for recycling in exchange for a 10 cent refund.

In a statement to Inside Retail, Aldi said it was “committed to supporting initiatives such as the CDS and look forward to participating in the largest litter reduction initiative in NSW.”

Aldi will participate by selling containers that are eligible for a refund via network operator TOMRA’s collection points at Woolworths supermarkets.

Anyone who hands in eligible drink bottle containers to kiosks at designated sites across the state can choose to donate their 10 cent refund to selected charities or receive the refund via a registered account.

“This agreement will provide customers with convenient reverse vending machine locations where they can drop off their containers and then redeem their vouchers at a nearby Woolworths supermarket,” TOMRA Collection Strategy & Business Development Director Markus Fraval said. The participating Woolworths store locations will be finalised in the coming weeks.

Under the arrangement, customers will be able to use a credit voucher from the kiosks towards their shopping at Woolworths or redeem their cash in stores.

Woolworths FoodCo managing director Steve Greentree said the retailer was committed to supporting initiatives that help improve and protect the environment.

“The agreement with TOMRA Cleanaway will ensure consumers have the option to support this NSW state government sustainability initiative, with convenient locations to return their containers and claim their refund,” Greentree said on Monday.

The exact locations of the kiosk will be announced closer to the launch.

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