Publication
Deposit Return Scheme
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
From 1 February 2024 you will be able to bring back your used plastic drink bottles and aluminium cans with the Re-turn logo through the Deposit Return Scheme. This will reduce litter in our environment and help us increase our recycling rates.
It is estimated that 5 million single-use drinks bottles and cans are consumed every day in Ireland. Drinks containers are typically consumed 'on the go' and are often thrown away in mixed waste or litter, instead of being recycled.
At present, our recycling rate for 'on-the-go' bottles is only 23%. We must get this to 90% by 2029 to meet our European recycling targets.
The Deposit Return Scheme will boost the recycling rate for these drinks containers – by charging a small, refundable deposit for each plastic bottle or can. When you return your empty and undamaged bottles or cans you will receive your deposit back in cash or a voucher redeemable for cash at the shop you are returning it to.
Find out more on the Re-turn website.