Sainsbury's launches reverse vending recycling trial

UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's has launched a reverse vending recycling trial in it Lincoln superstore that will allow customers to exchange plastic bottles for 5p coupons.

Shoppers could save up to £25 at a time if they deposit the maximum allowance of 500 bottles per customer. The scheme will accept items of up to three litres in volume.

“We're delighted to offer a new way to help our customers recycle while saving on their shop, Sainsbury's brand director, Judith Batchelar, said.

The news comes in the same week that Sainsbury's announced it would be the first UK supermarket to remove plastic bags for loose fruit, vegetables and bakery items from all it stores.

Sainsbury's will instead offer paper and re-usable bags made from recycled materials, removing 489 tonnes' worth of plastic.

And from August this year, fresh water stands will be available in Sainsbury's cafes for customers to refill their own water bottles and so they can reduce their reliance on single-use plastic ones.

Customers will also be able to bring their own re-usable containers to fresh and deli counters for meat, fish, cheese and deli, with this clearly signposted on the counters.

Sainsbury's already offers 25p off hot drinks across all cafes when a customer brings a re-usable cup.

“Our customers want to use less plastic, so I am determined that Sainsbury's continues to find ways to help them do that,“ said Sainsbury's chief executive, Mike Coupe.

“Allowing customers to refill their own water bottles and re-use food containers is further evidence of our commitment to reduce unnecessary plastic waste.“