Re-turn to roll out bin surrounds programme to towns across Ireland
Re-turn survey reveals 79% of the public back on-the-go recycling and want bin surrounds in their own communities
Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council & Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn
Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is expanding its successful bin surrounds initiative nationally, following a highly effective pilot programme in Dublin City Centre. This next phase begins in Dublin’s Dún Laoghaire Harbour and will extend to Galway City, Meath, Carlow, Clare, Westmeath and further areas of Dublin City Centre in the coming months. This initiative aims to make on-the-go recycling visible and accessible while reducing litter and preserving valuable recyclable materials. As part of the expansion, 24 new bin surrounds have been installed across the Dún Laoghaire Harbour area.
Launched in October 2024 in partnership with Dublin City Council, the pilot programme saw 80 bin surrounds launched across Dublin City Centre, and has experienced a high level of public engagement and support.
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.
Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “We’re really pleased to see the new Re-turn bin surrounds now in place at Dún Laoghaire Harbour. 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.”
Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn & Tim Ryan, Operations Manager, Dún Laoghaire Harbour
Re-turn’s bin surrounds provide a visible, accessible, and practical way for the public to recycle on the go, reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution while supporting Ireland’s strategy for a circular economy. Over 1.6 billion plastic bottles and cans have been recycled through the Deposit Return Scheme since it was introduced in February 2024, a testament to the commitment of the Irish people to sustainability.
Commenting on the launch, Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said: “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.”
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council added: “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. 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.”
Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council & Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn
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.
For more information, contact:
colm.kearns@teneo.com / 083 014 6944