On February 1st 2024, Ireland introduced a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles, aluminium or steel cans. This will change the way we recycle these items and hopefully increase recycling rates.

How it works

When you buy a drink in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can that features the Re-turn logo, you pay a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When you return your empty, undamaged container to any retail outlet, you get your deposit back in full.

Drinks purchased before 1 February 2024 are not included in the Deposit Return Scheme but should still be recycled in the usual way. Most households will place the empty drinks containers in the green bin until they see the new Re-turn logo in the container.

From 1 February 2024, when you purchase an ‘in scope’ drinks container, you will be charged a small deposit in addition to the purchase price of the drink. This deposit will be fully refunded when you return your empty, undamaged drinks container.

The Refund

The drinks containers included in the Scheme are PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between the sizes 150mls and 3 liters. A deposit of 15c will apply to containers from 150ml to 500ml inclusive and a deposit of 25c for containers over 500mls to 3 liters inclusive.

In order to receive the deposit purchasers may return containers to any retailer that takes them back over the counter (manual), or through the use of a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).

If returning to a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), you must insert all Re-turn drinks containers as directed. When complete, you will then be issued with a voucher which can be redeemed at the till. Please note that vouchers issued from an RVM must be redeemed at the same store.

It’s worth noting consumers will have the choice to receive the refund against in-store purchases, in cash or the refund can be offered to a charitable cause.

Recycling

This new scheme brings together all parties involved in the manufacture, selling and consumption of beverages including beverage producers and retailers. This alliance fulfils obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021. Similar recycling schemes operate internationally and are very successful in increasing recycling collection rates.

All the drinks containers collected will be sent for safe recycling. The Deposit Return Scheme focuses on increasing the volume and quality of material collected for recycling leading to an increase in Ireland’s recycling rates.

This new scheme intends to significantly increase recycling rates. The deposit fee will be paid back in full when the empty, undamaged drink container is returned to a reverse vending machine in a retail outlet.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said it will eliminate the issue of waste drink containers on roadsides and beaches by turning such items into new bottles and cans. An estimated, two billion aluminum drink cans and plastic bottles are sold in Ireland each year and just over 60% are currently returned for recycling. The remainder end up in incinerators, or turn up as waste on the street, lakeshores, riversides and country roads. This scheme will tackle this issue, aiming to increase the recycling rates for drinks can and plastic bottles up to 90%.

To learn more please visit www.re-turn.ie You can also email info@re-turn.ie or call 014618680

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise working to deliver environmentally friendly recycling solutions and real training and employment opportunities.

Recycle IT operates under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The programme supports community companies and co-operatives to deliver local social, economic, and environmental services that disadvantaged communities. The Community Services Programme is managed for the Department of Rural and Community Development by Pobal, a not-for-profit company tasked with managing programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU. Recycle IT is one of over 400 social enterprises operating with funding support from the programme in Ireland.

Learn more @ www.recycleit.ie