SuperValu & Centra invest €28m in Reverse Vending Machines

Stores will collect over 320m containers annually under new Deposit Return Scheme

• 540 SuperValu and Centra stores to introduce Reverse Vending Machines from February 1^st
• Total of 667 machines will be rolled out across Ireland’s largest store network implementing DRS

Ireland’s leading food retailers, SuperValu and Centra, are investing €28m in Reverse Vending Machines as part of their continued commitment to building more sustainable communities.

SuperValu and Centra have installed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in 540 stores across the 26 counties in Ireland, ahead of the launch of the new DRS Scheme on 1^st February. 

A total of 667 Reverse Vending Machines are available to customers in 219 SuperValu and 321 Centra stores nationwide. 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 540 SuperValu and Centra stores. 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.

Deposit Return Scheme

Over 60% of plastic bottles and cans in Ireland are currently being collected for recycling through household recycling, but more than 30% are not collected. The Deposit Return Scheme is a circular economy initiative that aims to create a closed loop recycling system guaranteeing the materials are returned, disposed of correctly and recycled into new drinks containers.

Five-Step Customer Guide:

1. Customer purchases a bottle or can with the Re-turn logo, paying a deposit as part of the transaction. Deposit value is clearly separated on the receipt. A 15c deposit will apply to containers in size from 150ml to 500ml inclusive and a deposit of 25c will apply to containers over 500mls to 3 litres inclusive.
2. Customer then returns to any store with empty and undamaged containers to be placed into the Re-Turn machine. 
3. The machine will guide the customer on a step-by-step process to help them reclaim their deposit.
4. A Re-turn voucher is printed there and then. The customer can continue to deposit bottles/cans and another voucher will print. 
5. The customer has two options:
   1. Can go to a checkout to redeem the value of the voucher against the value of their shop.
   2. Can go to a manned till to exchange their voucher for cash.

Customer can keep their voucher and return to that store with the voucher to spend it at a later date. Voucher can only be spent in the same store where it was issued.

Full list of Centra Store Locations:

Carlow Centra stores (4 stores, 4 Machines)

• Centra Carlow
• Centra Tullow
• Centra Borris
• Centra Leighlinbridge

Cavan Centra Stores: (6 stores, 6 machines)

• Centra Ballinagh
• Centra Drumalee
• Centra Arva
• Centra Belturbet
• Centra Mullagh
• Centra Lisdrumskea

Clare Centra stores: (7 stores, 7 machines)

• Centra Corofin
• Ryan’s Centra Ennis
• Lynch’s Centra Ennis
• Centra Ardnacrusha
• Centra Kildysert
• Centra Scariff
• Centra Sixmilebridge

Cork Centra stores (47 stores, 49 machines)

• Centra Carrigtwhohill
• Centra Cobh
• Centra Castlemartyr
• Centra Killeagh
• Centra Rochestown Road
• Centra Cloyne
• Centra Sallybrook
• Centra Watergrasshill
• Centra Victoria Cross
• Centra Rushbrooke
• Centra Little Island
• Centra Togher Cross
• Centra Donnybrook
• Centra Riverstick
• Centra South Douglas
• Centra Fermoy
• Centra Crossbarry
• Centra Bishopstown
• Centra Mallow
• Centra Shandon Street
• Centra Bandon
• Centra Crosshaven
• Centra Mallow
• Centra Buttevant
• Centra Doneraile
• Centra Blarney
• Centra Ballineen
• Centra Enniskeane
• Centra Coachford
• Centra Innishannon
• Centra Drimoleague
• Centra Schull
• Centra Dunmanway
• Centra Ballydesmond
• Centra Millstreet
• Centra Ballymakeera
• Centra Union Hall
• Centra Leap
• Centra Ballylickey
• Centra Ballinspittle
• Centra Millstreet
• Centra Timoleague
• Centra Charleville
• Centra Charleville (Limerick Rd)
• Centra Castlelyons
• Centra Kildorrery
• Centra Blarney

Donegal Centra Stores (13 stores, 13 machines)

• Centra Carrigart
• Centra Falcarragh
• Centra Dunfanaghy
• Centra Moville
• Centra Malin
• Centra Main Street, Muff
• Centra Clonmany
• Centra Clar Road
• Centra Main Street, Drumbaran
• Centra The Diamond, Raphoe Townparks
• Centra Mountain Top, Letterkenny
• Centra Ballyshannon
• Centra Kilcar

Dublin Centra Stores (32 stores, 32 machines)

• Centra South Circular Road
• Centra, Block 1, Island Key
• Centra Millers Glen Retail Centre
• Centra Point Campus
• Centra Newtownpark
• Centra Grange Road
• Centra Stoneybatter
• Centra Kishoge
• Centra King Street
• Centra Kilmacud Road
• Centra Greenhills
• Centra Drimnagh
• Centra Lucan
• Centra Kingswood
• Centra Whitechurch
• Centra UCD the Village
• Centra Coultry Park
• Centra Coolock Lane
• Centra Oscar Traynor Road
• Centra Santry
• Centra Kilmore
• Centra Cappagh
• Centra Rathnew
• Centra Edenmore
• Centra Artane
• Centra Greendale
• Centra Bluebell
• Centra Cork Street
• Centra Laurel Lodge
• Centra Malahide
• Centra Swords
• Centra Lusk

Galway Centra Stores (18 stores, 18 machines)

• Centra Corofin
• Centra Dublin Road, Tuam
• Centra Spiddal
• Centra Carnmore
• Centra Tuam Road
• Centra Moycullen
• Centra Fough West
• Centra Ballygar
• Centra Lettermore
• Centra Castlegar
• Centra Clonbur
• Centra Claregalway
• Centra Costello
• Centra Kilcolgan
• Centra Moylough
• Centra Labane
• Centra Headford
• Centra Gort

Kerry Centra Stores (15 stores, 15 machines)

• Centra Ballyheigue
• Centra Ardfert
• Centra Ballylongford
• Centra Cahersiveen
• Centra Rathmore
• Centra Waterville
• Centra Muckross Road
• Centra Kenmare
• Centra Castleisland
• Centra Dingle
• Centra Glenbeigh
• Centra Ballyduff
• Centra Listowel
• Centra Farranfore
• Centra Killarney The Reeks

Kildare Centra Stores (9 stores, 9 machines)

• Centra Melitta Road
• Centra Curragh
• Centra Monread Road
• Centra Derrinturn
• Centra Maynooth
• Centra Castledermot
• Centra Roseberry Hill
• Centra Kilcock Church Street
• Centra Celbridge

Kilkenny Centra Stores (6 stores, 6 machines)

• Centra Urlingford
• Centra Knocktopher
• Centra Mullinavat
• Centra Thomastown
• Centra Mooncoin
• Centra Piltown

Laois Centra Stores (6 stores, 6 machines)

• Centra Ballyroan
• Centra Mountrath
• Centra Portlaoise
• Centra Portarlington
• Centra Ballyinan
• Centra Mountrath Road

Leitrim Centra Stores (4 stores, 4 machines)

• Centra Drumshanbo
• Centra Dromhair
• Centra Mohill
• Centra Carrigallen

Limerick Centra Stores (19 stores, 20 machines)

• Centra Foynes
• Centra Drumcollogher
• Centra Patrickswell
• Centra Dooradoyle
• Centra Doon
• Centra Clarina
• Centra Caherconlish
• Centra Adare
• Centra Newcastlewest
• Centra Pallas Green
• Centra Main Street, Barrysfarm
• Centra Main Street, Hospital
• Centra Cappamore
• Centra Kilfinane
• Centra Castleroy
• Centra Woodview Shopping Centre
• Centra Raheen
• Centra Bruff
• Centra Annacotty

Longford Centra Stores (3 stores, 3 machines)

• Centra Drumlish
• Centra Ballymahon
• Centra Longford Town

Louth Centra Stores (12 stores, 12 machines

• Centra Blackrock
• Centra Castletown Road
• Centra Greenacres
• Centra Ballsgrove, Drogheda
• Centra Hardmans Garden
• Centra Plattin Road
• Centra Dunleer
• Centra Ardee
• Centra Tullyallen
• Centra Rathmullan
• Centra Dromiskin
• Centra Termonfeckin

Mayo Centra Stores (16 stores, 16 machines)

• Centra Newport
• Centra Westport
• Centra Fairgreen Westport
• Centra Balla
• Centra Kilmaine
• Centra Claremorris
• Centra Foxford
• Centra Knock
• Centra Belmullet
• Centra Ballindine
• Centra Killala
• Centra Bangor Erris
• Centra Bangor Erris
• Centra Castlebar
• Centra Crossmolina
• Centra Moygownagh

Meath Centra Stores (12 stores, 12 machines)

• Centra Commons Road
• Centra Athboy
• Centra Ballivor
• Centra Ratoath
• Centra Ashbourne Garden City
• Centra Stamullen
• Centra Blackcastle
• Centra Johnstown Bridge
• Centra Mornington
• Centra Kells
• Centra Summerhill
• Centra Kilmessan

Monaghan Centra Stores (5 stores, 5 machines)

• Centra Scotstown
• Centra Newbliss
• Centra Emyvale
• Centra Ballybrit
• Centra Ballybay

Offaly Centra Stores (6 stores, 6 machines)

• Centra Ferbane
• Centra Shinrone
• Centra Tullamore O’Carroll street
• Centra Tullamore Arden Road
• Centra Fingerboard
• Centra Clara

Roscommon Centra Stores (5 Stores, 5 machines)

• Centra Kilgorrive
• Centra Termonbarry
• Centra Athleague
• Centra Boyle
• Centra Roscommon Town

Sligo Centra Stores (10 stores, 10 machines)

• Centra Gorteen
• Centra Bellaghy
• Centra Maugheraboy
• Centra Collooney
• Centra Caltragh
• Centra Standhill
• Centra Castle Street
• Centra Dromore
• Centra Cartron
• Centra Enniscrone

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

Waterford Centra (13 stores, 14 machines)

• Centra Viking Foodhall
• Centra Hot House Bistro
• Centra The Arena Café
• Centra Tramore
• Centra Tallow
• Centra St Lawrence
• Centra Kilmeaden
• Centra Dungarvan Cloneety
• Centra Kilmacthomas
• Centra Portlaw
• Centra Farran Park
• Centra Dungarvan New line
• Centra Lismore

Westmeath Centra (6 stores, 6 machines)

• Centra Athlone Dublin Road
• Centra Athlone Castlemaine St
• Centra Glasson
• Centra Mullingar Milmount
• Centra Rathwire
• Centra Mullingar Lynn Road

Wexford Centra (14 stores, 14 machines)

• Centra Rosslare Town
• Centra Ballinaboola
• Centra Irishtown
• Centra Killnick
• Centra Whitemills
• Centra Ramsgrange
• Centra Campile
• Centra Ferns
• Centra Bree
• Centra Enniscorthy
• Centra Courtown
• Centra Wexford the Quay
• Centra Curracloe
• Centra Kilmuckridge
• Centra Bridgetown

Wicklow Centra Stores (10 stores , 10 machines)

• Centra Dunlavin
• Centra Delgany
• Centra Ashford
• Centra Greystones
• Centra Vevay Road
• Centra Tinahely
• Centra Kilcoole
• Centra Dargle Road
• Centra Carnew
• Centra Roundwood