Latest news with #Re-turn
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
1.6 billion bottles and cans returned through Deposit Return Scheme
The Irish public has returned over 1.6 billion bottles and cans through the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) since its launch in February 2024. New figures from Re-turn, the administrator of the scheme, show 798 million more containers are now being recycled each year compared to before the scheme began. Recycling rates have risen from just 49% to an estimated 91%. 76% of these containers are captured directly through the DRS and a further 15% collected via mixed dry recycling. "The Board is very encouraged by the strong performance and early impact of the scheme since its launch in February of last year," said Tony Keohane, Chair of the Board of Re-turn. "Re-turn has delivered a Deposit Return Scheme that is already achieving measurable environmental results and social impact, including the return of over 1.6 billion bottles and cans and a significant increase in Ireland's national recycling rate for drinks containers. "This has been driven by extraordinary collaboration across government, retailers, producers and the wider supply chain, and most importantly by the enthusiastic participation of the Irish public," he added. Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said these latest recycling figures are far beyond what we had projected to achieve. "They speak to the commitment of the Irish people to sustainability and their desire to support the vision of a greener, cleaner Ireland," he said. "Additionally, the social impact of the scheme and the engagement with it from community groups across the country has exceeded any and all expectations. "Schools, clubs and charities all over Ireland have engaged with and utilised the scheme to raise funds for a wide variety of worthy causes," he pointed out.
The Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
We've collectively recycled 1.6 billion bottles and cans via Deposit Return Scheme since last year
THE IRISH PUBLIC has collectively returned more than 1.6 billion bottles and cans through the Deposit Return Scheme since it kicked off at the beginning of last year. The scheme has been receiving bottles and cans from consumers for dedicated recycling programmes since it was introduced in February 2024. Since then, more than 1.6 billion bottles and cans have been processed through the scheme. Minister for Climate Darragh O'Brien said the high level of participation in the scheme 'demonstrates that when change is right, Irish people will embrace it'. Re-turn, the company responsible for running the scheme, estimates that 798 million more containers are now being recycled each year compared to before the scheme began. Additionally, it says that recycling rates for beverage containers have risen from 49% to an estimated 91%, with 76% of containers recycled through the scheme and 15% collected via standard recycling bins. 'These latest recycling figures are far beyond what we had projected to achieve just a year after the end of the transition phase for the scheme,' said Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn. 'They speak to the commitment of the Irish people to sustainability and their desire to support the vision of a greener, cleaner Ireland,' Foley said. Advertisement 'It's vital that we continue returning containers to maintain momentum and ensure lasting change.' New recycling facility for Ireland Re-turn has faced some criticism for needing to ship the plastic waste it collects abroad in order for it to be recycled. Ireland does not currently have the kind of facility needed to carry out high-quality bottle-to-bottle recycling for PET plastic. Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said in May that it is a 'scandal' that the majority of waste leaves Ireland as part of the recycling process. In a response to his comments to The Journal at the time, a Re-turn spokesperson said that a 'key step in fully recycling PET plastic bottles is turning them into food-grade plastic pellets, but no facility in Ireland can currently do this'. Now, the company has confirmed that it is planning to develop Ireland's first on-island PET bottle-to-bottle recycling facility, which will allow those bottles collected through the scheme to be fully recycled within Ireland. 'This step will reduce Ireland's reliance on exporting PET plastic for processing and support Ireland's long-term sustainability and circular economy goals,' it said. It is currently engaged in a tender process to develop the facility. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
BreakingNews.ie
6 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
1.6 billion bottles and cans returned through Deposit Return Scheme so far
The Irish public has returned over 1.6 billion bottles and cans through the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) since its launch in February 2024. This is according to figures from Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland's DRS. Advertisement The most recent data from Re-turn also shows that an estimated 798 million more containers are now being recycled each year compared to before the scheme began. Recycling rates have risen from 49 per cent to an estimated 91 per cent, with 76 per cent of containers captured directly through the DRS and a further 15 per cent collected via mixed dry recycling. Chair of the board of Re-turn, Tony Keohane, said: 'The board is very encouraged by the strong performance and early impact of the scheme since its launch in February of last year. "Re-turn has delivered a Deposit Return Scheme that is already achieving measurable environmental results and social impact, including the return of over 1.6 billion bottles and cans and a significant increase in Ireland's national recycling rate for drinks containers. Advertisement "This has been driven by extraordinary collaboration across government, retailers, producers and the wider supply chain, and most importantly by the enthusiastic participation of the Irish public. The Board extends its sincere thanks to all stakeholders for their continued support. We look forward to building on this momentum as we work together to meet the ambitious targets ahead.' Environment Minister Darragh O'Brien said the Deposit Return Scheme has already established itself as a "landmark initiative" in Irish society. "It demonstrates that when change is right, Irish people will embrace it. I'm absolutely delighted to see such a strong response, with over 1.6 billion containers returned by families, organisations, and communities across the country," he said. "I want to commend and congratulate Re-turn for their outstanding work to date, and I look forward to seeing the organisation progressing its plans to recycle plastic materials here in Ireland.'
Extra.ie
10-07-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
New bins popping up where you can leave - or take - plastic bottles and cans
Re-turn have announced that they're rolling out their bin surrounds to towns across Ireland, after a successful rollout in Dublin. The Deposit Re-turn scheme, which sees people pay a 15c-25c deposit on your cans and plastic bottles, was rolled out last year — with people saving up their cans and bottles to get their deposits back in lump sums. While some people get annoyed at the fact that they'll need to carry around their cans all day, the company launched surrounds for bins where they can leave their cans and bottles, or can take similar bottles and cans to get the deposit back. Re-turn have announced that they're rolling out their bin surrounds to towns across Ireland, after a successful rollout in Dublin. Pic: Peter Houlihan / Fennells Photography. After a successful pilot of the pilot in Dublin, Re-Turn have announced that they'll be rolling out the bin surrounds nationwide. The bin surrounds will be expanded to bins in Galway City, Meath, Carlow, Clare, Westmeath and further areas in Dublin City Centre in the coming months, with the company saying that they hope it makes on-the-go recycling visible and reducing litter, as well as preserving valuable recycling materials. 24 of these bins will be installed along the Dún Laoghaire Harbour area. Research from Re-turn found that containers left on the bin surrounds were collected on average within 16 minutes, while a survey carried out by Re-turn reveals that 79% of the public support on-the-go recycling schemes and would welcome a similar scheme in their local area. Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, at the launch of Re-turn's 24 new bin surrounds in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Pic: Peter Houlihan / Fennells Photography. 'We're really pleased to see the new Re-turn bin surrounds now in place at Dún Laoghaire Harbour,' Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said. 'It's a simple idea that makes a big difference, giving people an easy way to return their bottles and cans while out and about. Putting these units in such a busy, scenic spot helps encourage better habits and keeps the harbour looking its best.' Re-turn are also welcoming the expansion of the surround scheme, with CEO Ciaran Foley saying 'Re-turn is delighted to collaborate with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on this important on-the-go recycling initiative. 'We are committed to providing the public with convenient and visible recycling options, and the bin surrounds pilot scheme is successfully delivering on that promise. We are encouraging the public to utilise bin surrounds and assist with the recycling of plastic bottles and cans. Together, we can support the circular economy and make a real difference in our communities and environment.' The bins will be expanded to new areas in Dublin, as well as Galway, Clare, Carlow, Westmeath and Meath. Pic: Peter Houlihan / Fennells Photography. 'The launch of these innovative bin surrounds on the outside of our Big Belly Bins is a practical step forward in capturing and segregating bottles and cans from general waste, making recycling more accessible for everyone,' Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added. 'This initiative directly supports the implementation of our Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy and aligns with the Council's Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. By working in partnership with Re-turn, we are not only encouraging sustainable habits but also taking tangible action to reduce litter and protect the environment across our communities.' Since February 2024, when a person buys a drink with the Re-Turn logo, they pay a small deposit in addition to the price. The containers included in the scheme are PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans from 150ml to three litres. The 'Give Take Return' program adds the surrounds to 80 bins for people to donate empty bottles and cans while on the go. Others are allowed to take these donations for recycling at the Reverse Vending Machines (RVM), located in most major chain shops.
The Journal
10-07-2025
- General
- The Journal
Recycling trays attached to bins rolled out to towns across the country
THE OPERATOR OF the Deposit Return Scheme is rolling out a bin programme to towns across the country. Following a pilot in Dublin city centre, Re-turn is expanding its 'bin surrounds' programme, allowing people to leave their containers for others to take and bring back thanks to a tray attached to the bin. It was rolled out initially as a way to discourage people going through bins in search of plastic bottles and aluminium cans, as explained by Dublin City Council at the time last year . Trays have installed at 24 bins across Dún Laoghaire harbour, with the scheme set to be extended to Galway City, Meath, Carlow, Clare, Westmeath and further areas of Dublin City Centre in the coming months. That pilot saw a tray attached to 80 bins placed around the capital so that anyone could donate empty bottles or cans while on the go. Advertisement It aims to make recycling visible while preserving valuable recyclable materials and reducing litter. As part of the scheme, it allows other people are then free to take the donated bottles and cans and bring them back, as part of the 'Give Take Return' concept. The goal of the programme is to prevent plastic bottles and cans from being discarded into general waste, and ultimately allow for better recycling while also reducing litter. The pilot is inspired by similar initiatives in the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark according to Re-turn. Re-turn cited research it carried out which it said found that containers left on the bin surrounds were collected on average within 16 minutes. Commenting on the launch, Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said that it was committed to providing the public with 'convenient and visible' recycling options. This next phase is being co-funded on an equal basis by Re-turn and participating local authorities, working together to deliver practical solutions that support cleaner streets, stronger recycling habits, lower landfill rates and a reduction in environmental pollution. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
