ALDI celebrates Global Recycling Day with major milestone
Over 45 million AA batteries recycled and 470 million drink containers returned through ALDI stores
Print18 March 2026
As it celebrates Global Recycling Day, ALDI has recently announced major milestones in sustainability with the equivalent of over 45 million AA batteries recycled through the WEEE Ireland partnership, and over 470 million drink containers returned through the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across all 166 ALDI stores nationwide.
Since 2009, ALDI has partnered with WEEE Ireland to promote and facilitate the recycling of waste batteries and electrical equipment.
Over the course of this partnership, customers have returned more than 910 tonnes of waste batteries to ALDI stores – equivalent to over 45 million AA batteries.
In 2025 alone through this partnership, ALDI customers returned 106,090 kg of waste batteries, equivalent to over five million AA batteries.
Five million AA batteries contain enough energy to power the average Irish home for more than three and a half years.
The Deposit Return Scheme, launched in Ireland in February 2024, continues to see remarkable participation.
After two years, ALDI shoppers have returned more than 470 million cans and bottles, redeeming almost €80 million in cash or vouchers across its 166 stores.
Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) are available at all ALDI locations, with 75 stores offering machines outside the stores for extra convenience.
In 2025 alone, almost 270 million drinks containers were returned through ALDI stores.
Piled together, they would create a mound nearly as tall as the stands of the Aviva Stadium and roughly the volume of 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability manager at ALDI Ireland, said: “As we celebrate Global Recycling Day, we reflect on the incredible work done by our loyal customers.
“It’s inspiring to see the impact of donations through both battery and DRS initiatives.
“At ALDI, we want to continue encouraging our customers to take part in these programmes, helping create a more sustainable world.
“We look forward to even greater participation in 2026, supporting sustainable shopping across all 166 stores.”
DRS Scheme
Under the DRS scheme, empty bottles and cans marked with the Re-turn logo can be returned at any participating retailer, regardless of where purchased.
Customers receive vouchers redeemable for cash, shopping, or direct donations to our charity partner Barnardos at any ALDI DRS machine.
The scheme encourages recycling to reduce litter across Irish towns, villages, and countryside.
WEEE Recycling
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is accepted free of charge in all ALDI stores on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis.
Waste batteries, including rechargeable batteries, are also taken back free of charge.
All WEEE and waste batteries must be recycled and should never be placed in household bins.
ALDI encourages customers to always recycle old electrical goods and batteries responsibly.
ALDI is making recycling simple. Because at ALDI, sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated.
Read more: Baz & Nancy Ashmawy team up with ALDI to search for Ireland’s Favourite Child
© 2026, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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