SPAR Slovenia sets up instore cooking oil collection points

February 5, 2025 IN THE CATEGORY: Environment, Responsible retailing

SPAR Slovenia has installed collection points where shoppers can dispose of used cooking oil into six stores. This aligns with the retailer’s sustainability strategy, which includes encouraging the recycling and reuse of products and raising awareness about the proper disposal of specific waste.

Improper disposal of waste cooking oil can pose serious environmental and health hazards. One litre of waste oil poured down the drain or released into the environment can contaminate up to one million litres of drinking water.*  Therefore, waste cooking oil should be disposed of separately. SPAR Slovenia aims to make it easier for customers to dispose of waste cooking oil by installing instore collection points.

“At SPAR Slovenia, we promote a circular economy and responsible waste management. We have therefore made it safe and easy for customers to dispose of their waste cooking oil at collection machines in six SPAR branded stores. We plan to install new ones in more stores this year to encourage customers to dispose of their cooking oil properly and to make it possible for all visitors to our stores to do so,” said Maša Šprajcar-Rančić, Head of Sustainability at SPAR Slovenia.

Easy oil disposal at SPAR stores

Disposing of waste cooking oil in the new collection machines placed in SPAR branded stores is simple. Customers bring the used cooking oil from home to the store. This can include oil from fryers, ovens, and various foods. The oil is then poured into the machine, following the steps indicated on the electronic display. Once complete, customers receive a voucher or credit for the store where they disposed of the oil. The collected cooking oil will be used to produce biodiesel fuel.

During 2025, SPAR Slovenia will install collection machines in more SPAR and INTERSPAR branded stores, making them more easily accessible.

Collection points in Austria and Hungary

The collection points installed in SPAR and INTERSPAR branded stores has been introduced in other countries. SPAR Austria started trialling instore collection machines in 2020 and began launching more in January 2023 by installing them in 40 INTERSPAR Hypermarkets.

SPAR Hungary launched the collection system in 2021 in its stores. Interactive maps help customers find their nearest SPAR store with collection containers. An updated list of locations is available on SPAR Hungary’s sustainability website.

* ZPS; https://www.zps.si/nasveti-in-vodniki/pravilno-ravnanje-z-odpadnim-jedilnim-oljem-2022-02-03#ponovna-uporaba

Source: SPAR Slovenia

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About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was granted a licence by SPAR International to operate under the brand in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. SPAR has become a key employer in the country, both through its corporate businesses as well as through licenses being granted to independent retailers to expand the brand further.

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