ALDI Hungary hits 140 million bottle returns milestone in nationwide recycling drive

ALDI Hungary has reached a major sustainability milestone, collecting around 140 million single-use beverage containers since the introduction of Hungary’s national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on 1 January 2024. This initiative, designed to encourage recycling and reduce waste, has been supported by the installation of REpont reverse vending machines in 183 ALDI stores, totalling 246 machines across the country.

To optimise customer experience, many of the machines are placed in separate areas outside the main store premises. On average, each store handles over 3,000 returned bottles, cans, and glass containers daily, with peak locations processing up to 10,000 items. PET bottles make up the majority of returns at 58%, followed by aluminium cans at 36%, and glass bottles at 6%.

Remarkably, one in every eleven containers returned through Hungary’s DRS has been collected by ALDI, underscoring the company’s key role in driving the scheme’s success.

In terms of refunds, about 84% of customers opt for in-store vouchers, while roughly 16% choose to receive their deposits via bank transfer through the REpont mobile app. A small but meaningful number—around 0.35%—donate their refunds to charity using QR code-based links to non-profit organisations.

ALDI is also expanding its participation in the DRS by increasing the number of eligible products. Currently, approximately 870 product lines are included, with more being added regularly to reflect seasonal and promotional changes.

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