Arklow Tesco Trials New Bulk Recycling Machine

Locals Are Already Loving It!

Tesco Arklow has become one of the first stores in Ireland to trial a new high-capacity Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) machine, aimed at speeding up the process for shoppers who regularly bring back large volumes of bottles and cans.

The new "bulk-feed" reverse vending machine is located in the carpark of the Wicklow store, and works differently to the standard DRS machines most customers will be familiar with.

Rather than feeding containers through one at a time, shoppers can simply empty entire bags of bottles and cans directly into the unit, cutting down significantly on time spent at the machine.

The trial has proved an early success. In just its first seven days of operation, the machine processed more than 120,000 containers — more than double the volume the store would typically see returned in a normal week.

It's a strong indication of just how many people in the Arklow area are taking part in Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme, and how welcome a faster returns process has been for those doing larger shops or clear-outs.

Store manager David Doran said the feedback from customers so far has been extremely positive. "We've had a really positive response from customers so far," he said.

"This machine can process more than 100 containers in one go, making the returns process much quicker and easier for people to bring back larger volumes of bottles and cans."

He added that the store was glad to be given the opportunity to test out the new technology locally.

"We're pleased to be testing this new technology in Arklow and seeing how it can further improve the recycling experience for our customers."

The machine is designed specifically with larger returns in mind — think families doing a big shop, or anyone clearing out bottles and cans built up over a few weeks — offering a faster, more streamlined alternative to the traditional process.

For those with smaller returns, it's business as usual: the store's existing single-feed DRS machine remains available inside, for customers who just have a handful of containers to return.

If the trial continues to prove as popular as its first week suggests, it may not be long before similar bulk-feed machines start appearing in other Tesco stores, and other retailers, around the country.

Courtesy - ReTurn