From Local Footpaths to a National Solution: Re-turn’s Bin Surrounds to Boost On-The-Go Recycling in Ennis, Co. Clare

      • 12 new bin surrounds installed in Ennis Co. Clare.
      • Re-turn survey reveals 79% of the public back on-the-go recycling and want bin surrounds in their own communities.
Five people standing around a recycling bin wrapped in bilingual signage, each holding a plastic bottle, with a historic stone building in the background. The image promotes environmental awareness and public recycling.
Pictured left to right: Susan Cahill, Project Manager at Re-turn, Cllr. Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Brendan Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer, Clare County Council, Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis, & Donnagh Murphy, Executive Engineer, Clare County Council.

 

Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is continuing to expand its successful bin surrounds initiative across Ireland. As part of the next stage of expansion, an additional 12 new bin surrounds have been installed in Ennis Town Centre.

 

Cavan, Westmeath, and Southeast Technological University (SETU) will follow over the coming months as the bin surrounds programme continues to expand. This expansion builds on the successful rollout of bin surrounds across the country. This initiative aims to make on-the-go recycling visible and accessible while reducing litter and preserving valuable recyclable materials.

 

Statement from Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr. Paul Murphy.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Paul Murphy, said: “Our goal is to support the local community and businesses as we work together to foster a cleaner, more sustainable county town while advancing our commitment to lowering our carbon footprint and embracing the circular economy. This collaboration between Clare County Council and Re-turn is also another step forward in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative has the potential to enhance recycling in public spaces and drive positive and meaningful change in how we manage valuable materials.”

 

Comment from Re-turn.

Commenting on the launch, Ciaran Hope, Chief Operating Officer of Re-turn, said: “We are very encouraged by the success of the bin surrounds initiative to date. From Dublin and Galway to Carlow, Navan and now Ennis, the public response has been extremely positive. With further rollouts planned in Cavan, Westmeath and SETU, this programme is playing a vital role in supporting cleaner streets, building stronger recycling habits, and creating a more sustainable future for Ireland.”

 

Research from Re-turn found that containers left on the bin surrounds were collected on average within 16 minutes. 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.

 

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.