Aldi is gearing for the launch of a bottle and can return scheme at its Irvine store, which will see customers pay 20p deposits.
The huge supermarket has applied for planning permission to erect a bottle return machine at its shop in East Road. It wants to build the 169 square metre unit in front of its store.
The recycling move is part of a nationwide scheme in Scotland where people will pay a 20p deposit on metal cans, plastic and glass bottles. The money will be refunded when containers are returned.
Shops, restaurants, hotels and bars selling drinks must add on the deposit.
Aldi has submitted a planning application to North Ayrshire Council to build the recycling unit known as a reverse vending machine.
The unit would have four recycle points for glass, cans and plastic as standard. Aldi expects its stores to take in 3500 containers each daily.
Aldi said: “The government has announced the design of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for Scotland with the goal of ensuring more containers will be recycled into high quality items.
“Deposit return schemes encourage behaviour change and present a further step to developing a more circular economy.
“When consumers go into a shop or hospitality business to buy a drink they will pay a small deposit (20p) on top of the retail price. Consumers get their deposit back when they return their empty (PET) plastic bottle, glass bottle or steel or aluminium can.”
The deposit return scheme is due to come into force in Scotland from July 1, 2022.
No decision has been made yet for planning permission for the Aldi recycling unit.
