The Success of the Irish Deposit Return Scheme

Ireland Deposit Return Scheme Launch

Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), dubbed Re-turn, has made a significant impact since its inception, collecting well over two million drink containers nationwide in just its first month. This initiative, which saw the participation of numerous shops and supermarkets, has successfully conducted over 705,000 transactions in February alone, signifying a strong start to the program.

Record-Breaking Returns

Notably, the 29th of February emerged as the peak day for returns, with nearly 201,000 containers collected. To facilitate these returns, the scheme has deployed 2,202 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) alongside more than 150 manual return points, spanning across 1,380 locations.

Irish Circular Economy Goals

Launched at the start of February, the DRS aims to foster a circular economy, encouraging the recycling and reusing of materials. Ciaran Foley, the CEO of Re-turn, expressed his optimism about the scheme’s future, highlighting the enthusiastic participation from the Irish public. Just over the last weekend of February, an additional 670,000 containers were collected, pushing the total close to 3 million returns — a testament to the community’s commitment to environmental preservation and recycling.

Ireland’s EU Recycling Targets

The European Union has set ambitious targets for Ireland, aiming for a 77% separate collection rate by 2025 and 90% by 2029. Currently, Ireland recycles around 60% of its drink containers, a figure that the DRS seeks to improve significantly.

European Comparisons and Deposit Details

Comparatively, Ireland’s DRS has shown strong initial participation rates against other European counterparts, with 15 countries running similar schemes. For instance, Romania, with a population exceeding 19 million, collected 31,000 containers in its first month and 2.24 million in the second month after launching its DRS in December 2023.

Under the Irish scheme, consumers who purchase drinks in plastic bottles or aluminium cans adorned with the Re-turn logo are required to pay a deposit. This deposit is redeemable upon returning the empty, undamaged container to a participating retailer. The scheme applies a 15-cent deposit for containers ranging from 150ml to 500ml, and a 25-cent deposit for those between 500ml and 3 litres.

Adjusting Consumer Behaviour

Foley acknowledges the significant behavioural shift this scheme requires from Irish consumers. He appreciates the public’s patience during the transition period, which sees retailers phasing out non-deposit products in favour of those carrying the Re-turn logo or subject to a deposit. Starting June, all eligible drink containers will feature the Re-turn logo, further integrating the scheme into everyday consumer habits.

JBX PaperPak Perspective

At JBX PaperPak, the success of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) resonates deeply with our core values of sustainability and environmental stewardship. As the DRS demonstrates remarkable effectiveness in promoting recycling and fostering a circular economy, we are inspired by this collective movement towards reducing waste and protecting the natural environment. Our commitment to producing eco-friendly paper alternatives to single-use plastic products is a testament to our belief in the power of sustainable practices to make a significant impact on our planet.

Just as the DRS has encouraged a shift in consumer behaviour and set ambitious recycling targets, we too aim to contribute to a greener Ireland through our environmentally responsible products. Together, initiatives like the DRS and companies like JBX PaperPak play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving environmental goals.