ALDI’s Commitment to Recycling
Since we opened our doors in 2001, ALDI has been committed to recycling and helping our customers do so as well.
We are taking responsibility for our impact on the environment. Find out how we are helping Aussies recycle below.
How to recycle: getting back to the basics
Before we explain how you can recycle with ALDI, let’s look at a few of the common recycling mistakes that are often made.
- Ensure all your recycling is loose in the bin (not in a bag)
- Follow the ARL logo instructions on packaging and containers
- Check in with your local council to see what can or cannot be recycled
- Make sure you fill your recycling bin correctly and ensure the lid can be closed on collection day
- Remove all food and liquid from containers
- Check with your local council (and packaging labels) to see if you can keep lids and labels on jars and bottles
- Check cardboard is not lined with plastic by giving it the ‘tear’ test
- Put your drink bottles in the recycling, unless you return them through your local Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)
- Remember that every little bit counts
Four ways you can reduce, reuse, recycle with ALDI
The following tips are a few simple ways that you can introduce recycling into your routine. Together we can work towards a more sustainable future.
1. Battery Recycling
ALDI was the first supermarket in Australia to offer a national battery recycling service. and has offered battery recycling in store since 2013.
There is a B-cycle drop-off point at the front of every ALDI store. Head to ALDI to dispose of old household batteries. Find your nearest store here.
For more information on Battery Recycling, read more here.
2. Bring reusable bags or buy one of ours
ALDI has never provided free-of-charge plastic carrier bags.
Using your own bags when grocery shopping is an easy way to commit to reducing plastic. Or, if you have to make an unplanned trip to the shops, you can purchase one of our reusable plastic bags. The Le Bag Recycle is 80% recycled plastic, 60% of which is pallet wrap from ALDI warehouses. Read more about Reducing Plastic here.
3. Container Deposit Scheme
ALDI encourages participation in the SA, WA, QLD, ACT, NSW and VIC Container Deposit Schemes (CDS). Customers can obtain a 10c refund on eligible drink containers purchased in our SA, WA, QLD, ACT, NSW and VIC stores.
Most drink containers will be accepted, for the full list of eligible containers, or to find your nearest deposit point, check on the CDS websites in your state.
4. Know your labels!
See if products have the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on their packaging. The label explains how to recycle correctly. Under the ARL system, there are three classifications of labels. Let’s break the recycle symbols down:
Recyclable
Packaging with the black triangle* on the label can be recycled as is.
Place items with this label into a recycling bin.
Conditionally Recyclable
Packaging with the white triangle* means that you must follow the instructions on how to recycle this packaging. If you don’t, it will not be recycled and can cause contamination of the recycling stream.
Not Recyclable
Packaging with the bin symbol means the item cannot be recycled and must be placed in the general waste bin.
*see FAQs below for more information on the Mobius Loop triangle.
We are committed to putting the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on all ALDI branded products by the end of 2022. Over 76% of our exclusive brand products display the ARL on-pack. Learn more about our ongoing journey to improve our packaging here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be recycled?
Check with your local council and look out for the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). Hard plastics, paper, food cans, cardboard, glass bottles and jars may all go in the kerbside recycling bin. Remember to check the ARL on packaging labels, to see if you need to replace any caps or lids when recycling bottles.
Are parcel wrappers recyclable?
Padded postage bags or parcel wrappers can only be recycled if the packaging is made of all the same material, i.e. all paper or all soft plastic. If the packaging is a paper envelope, it can go in the recycling bin. Check your postage bags and parcel wrappers for the ARL, or other any recycling instructions.
Are coffee capsules recyclable?
Yes, some coffee capsules can be recycled but they cannot go in the household recycling bin. You need to dispose of coffee capsules at an accredited recycling drop-off point. For the most up to date information for your area, check Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You page.
Can you recycle oily food containers?
Oily food containers and pizza boxes may be recyclable; however, you need to check with your local council guidelines before putting them in the recycling bin.
What is a Mobius loop?
A mobius loop refers to the triangle composed of three arrows looping back on themselves in a clockwise direction. This symbol is used to indicate that packaging can be recycled. However, this is not always applied accurately which is why you should always check for the Australasian Recycling Logo (ARL) to make sure your packaging can be recycled.
Does this symbol mean the packaging is recyclable?
No. The triangle symbol, with the numbers inside it does not automatically mean it’s recyclable. The number inside the triangle refers to the type of plastic the packaging is made of. For example, the 1 denotes PET plastic, while a 3 denotes PVC. Keep an eye out for the ARL to understand whether the packaging is recyclable or not.