A supermarket giant has launched a scheme that will allow customers to return plastic bottles and drink cans in exchange for money off their shopping.
Sainsbury's is carrying out the Reverse Vending Recycling trial scheme at its Newcastle Northumberland Street Local store.
Customers can deposit plastic bottles of any size up to three litres and aluminium drinks cans in a machine at the store entrance, in exchange for a coupon that's worth 5p per item towards their shopping.
Up to 500 items can be deposited per visit, which means customers could save up to £25.
It is the first North East store to run the initiative, and only the fourth in the UK.
Judith Batchelar, director of Sainsbury’s Brand, said: “We’re delighted to offer a new way to help our customers recycle while saving on their shop.”
It comes after the store announced it was the first UK supermarket to remove plastic bags for loose fruit, vegetables and bakery items from all stores, offering paper and re-usable bags made from recycled materials.
The company also recently updated on its progress with removing and replacing plastic packaging, which totals over 10,000 tonnes this year.
