125 million single-use containers have been returned at SuperValu and Centra stores since the Deposit Return Scheme launched back in February.
Stores in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Galway, and Kildare have seen the highest volume of returns.
"Our data indicates that since June over 95% of eligible cans and bottles we sell have been returned through our Reverse Vending Machines nationwide," said Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra.
"This is a significant increase in the average nationwide recycle rate for these items, which was estimated at 60%-70% before the scheme's introduction," he added.
SuperValu and Centra have installed 686 Reverse Vending Machines in 549 stores across all 26 counties in Ireland, the largest deployment by any retailer. It invested €28 million in the machines.
"We and our retailers understand the important role we play in caring for the environment and ensuring that we make the implementation of the DRS scheme as easy and convenient as possible for our customers," Mr Hanlon added.
