From Local Footpaths to a National Solution: Re-turn’s Bin Surrounds to Boost On-The-Go Recycling in Carlow Town Centre

    • 25 new bin surrounds installed in Carlow Town Centre.
    • Re-turn survey reveals 79% of the public back on-the-go recycling and want bin surrounds in their own communities.
Four individuals standing outdoors in front of a 'Carlow Climate Action' sign, holding large plastic bottles filled with colored liquids. They are dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, with trees, a sculpture, and buildings visible in the background, suggesting a community event focused on environmental awareness.
Pictured left to right: Dee Sewell, Environmental Awareness Officer at Carlow Coco, Cian Madden, Senior Engineer at Carlow Coco, Cllr Paul Doogue, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, and Dermot Mulligan, Chief Marketing Officer at Re-turn

 

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 25 new bin surrounds have been installed in Carlow town across 11 streets including Burren Street, Hanover Park and Tullow Street.

 

Clare, Cavan, Westmeath and Meath will follow over the coming months as the bin surrounds programme continues to expand. This expansion builds on the successful rollout of 80 bin surrounds in Dublin City Centre, 20 in Galway City Centre and an additional 24 in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. This initiative aims to make on-the-go recyclingvisible and accessible while reducing litter and preserving valuable recyclable materials.
 

Statement from Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council.

Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Councillor Ken Murnane, said:“We’re proud to bring this initiative to Carlow Town where community spirit runs strong. Sustainability starts at the local level, and the bin surround initiative is a great example of how small changes can lead to a big impact. By making recycling and return more visible and convenient, we are helping Carlow residents lead the way in protecting our shared environment.”

 

Comment from Re-turn.

Dermot Mulligan, Chief Marketing Officer of Re-turn, said:“Re-turn is delighted to collaborate with Carlow Town 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 already proving its value. We encourage the people of Carlow to make use of the bin surrounds and play their part in recycling plastic bottles and cans. Together, we can strengthen the circular economy and create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for our community.”

 

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.