Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), is proud to celebrate the milestone of 2.5 billion drinks retainers Re-turned, just over two-years on from the launch of the Scheme in February 2024. Over the past two years, public participation in the Scheme has continued to grow, with more than 1.4 billion cans and bottles returned across Ireland in 2025 alone.
The figures reflect the continued growth of the Scheme nationwide, which recorded 874 million returns in 2024 between its launch in February and the end of the year.
Since the introduction of the scheme, the overall recycling rate for in-scope containers has risen from just 49% to an estimated rate of over 90%, with approximately 76% of containers captured directly through the DRS and the remaining amount collected via mixed dry recycling.
Over the past two years, the return network has expanded significantly to support growing participation. This included the continued rollout of Reverse Vending Machines across Ireland in 2025, including 11 bulk-feed units, alongside the introduction of bin surrounds in multiple counties to facilitate on-the-go recycling.
A pilot programme has also delivered Deposit Return Scheme infrastructure to island communities in Arranmore, Cape Clear and Inishturk. Together, these measures supported greater accessibility and convenience for consumers and ensured the scheme could operate effectively across a range of communities nationwide. The total number of return points now stands at 3,750.
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said:
“Two years on, the Deposit Return Scheme has become part of everyday life for people across Ireland. Huge credit must go to the Irish public, whose engagement with the scheme is translating into measurable environmental benefits across the country and supporting Ireland’s transition to a cleaner, greener future. This success belongs to people across Ireland who have embraced the scheme. Their collective efforts are helping to create a cleaner, more sustainable Ireland for all.”
Cleaner Communities Nationwide
The positive environmental impact of the scheme continues to be evident nationwide. Irish Business Against Litter’s (IBAL) latest annual survey reported that cans and plastic bottles are now 60% less common than when the scheme was first introduced in early 2024.
In addition to its positive environmental impact, the DRS has delivered significant community and social value since its launch. More than 4,600 schools, clubs, and community organisations engaged with the Deposit Return Scheme to support local fundraising initiatives, delivering meaningful benefits at a grassroots level across Ireland.
From sports clubs, to rescue and recovery services and charity groups, communities have been coming together to raise money through the collection of bottles and cans. The collective efforts from local groups nationwide have resulted in the purchase of crucial medical equipment, upgraded sports facilities, kits for local sports teams and much more.
Since its launch in June 2024, the Return for Children charity initiative has continued to grow, with drinks containers collected at events, workplaces and community initiatives raising over €410,000 to date, with more than €300,000 raised during 2025 alone. The initiative supports six national children’s charities: Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack and Jill, Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland, which together support over 165,000 vulnerable and seriously ill children across Ireland.
Looking Ahead
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn continued: “this year, our focus will remain on continuing to grow the engagement and participation with the Deposit Return Scheme. While the rate of growth we’ve seen to date is very positive, it is essential that we maintain momentum to capture the containers which are not being separately collected and recycled.
We will continue to encourage engagement with the scheme at a grassroots level, from community organisations that are utilising the scheme for fundraising.
Continuing to work with stakeholders to expand the return point network and ensure that the scheme is as convenient as possible to engage with is also a key priority for the year ahead.”
