Many SuperValu and Centra stores in Tipperary have launched the new Deposit Return Scheme

SuperValu and Centra stores in Tipperary today launched the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) as part of their continued commitment to building more sustainable communities.

To support customers with the implementation of DRS, SuperValu and Centra have installed 28 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in 25 stores in Tipperary, as part of a €28m investment nationally by the store network.

The scale and geographical spread of Reverse Vending Machines in SuperValu and Centa stores ensures that customers in large and small communities across the country can more easily make their returns nearby. 

Trials in stores began in early 2023 and one key result being that customers will see two machines present in higher footfall locations to increase efficiency and convenience in returning containers.

Ian Allen, Managing Director SuperValu & Centra commented: “As part of our strategy to build more sustainable communities and play our part in protecting the planet, we are delighted to roll out the DRS scheme across our SuperValu and Centra stores in Tipperary. By investing €28m in the installation of over 600  Reverse Vending Machines in every county in Ireland we hope to make returns as convenient as possible for everyone.

“Investments in DRS complement other environmental initiatives undertaken by retailers, such as installation of solar panels, the implementation of fridge doors for energy conservation, LED lighting, and efforts to reduce packaging. These collective actions show the commitment to reducing our overall climate impact and growing sustainably every day. We and our retailers understand the important role we play in supporting communities and ensuring that we make the implementation of the DRS scheme as easy and convenient as possible for our customers.”

SuperValu and Centra estimate that 90% of recyclable PET bottles and AUL cans sold in store will be returned and more than 320 million containers are projected to be collected annually with the rollout of Reverse Vending Machines across the store network.

Tipperary SuperValu and Centra stores where Reverse Vending Machines are installed:

Tipperary Supervalu Stores (7 stores, 9 machines)

• Supervalu Roscrea
• Supervalu Clonmel
• Supervalu Carrick – on – Suir
• Supervalu Thurles
• Supervalu Cahir
• Supervalu Tipperary Town
• Supervalu Cashel

Tipperary Centra Stores (18 stores, 19 machines)

• Centra Nenagh
• Centra Clonmel
• Centra Cashel 
• Centra Thurles Kickham St
• Centra Roscrea
• Centra Thurles The Mall
• Centra Templemore 
• Centra Borrisoleigh
• Centra Toomevara
• Centra Cloughjordan
• Centra Newport
• Centra Killenaule
• Centra Carrick – On – Suir
• Centra Cappawhite
• Centra Fethard
• Centra Clonmel
• Centra Dundrum
• Centra Clonmel