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

      • 10 new bin surrounds installed across County Cavan.
      • Re-turn survey reveals 79% of the public back on-the-go recycling and want bin surrounds in their own communities.
Five people standing on a town street holding oversized Re-turn branded drink containers in front of a Reverse Vending Machine. The center person wears mayoral chains of office, flanked by community representatives. The RVM displays Cavan Tidy Towns branding and contains visible plastic bottles inside. Purple flowering plants line the street planters behind the group, with traditional shopfronts including Powder Brows visible in the background.
Pictured left to right: Cllr. Philip Brady, Cavan County Council, Susan Cahill, Project Manager at Re-turn, Cllr. John Paul Feeley, Cathaoirleach, Cavan County Council, Susan Doherty, Cavan County Council Environmental Services & Aine Brady, Cavan 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 10 new bin surrounds have been installed across locations in Cavan including; Cavan Town, Virginia, Ballyjamesduff, Ballyconnell, Arvagh and Mullagh.

 

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 Cavan County Council

Susan Doherty, of Cavan County Council Environmental Services said: “Cavan County Council is delighted to partner with Re-turn on an important recycling initiative that promotes convenient, on-the-go recycling options for the public. This collaboration supports the circular economy and aligns with Ireland’s Sustainable Development Goals, and I believe it will lead to positive change.”

 

Comment from Re-turn.

Commenting on the launch, Ciaran Hope, Chief Operating Officer of Re-turn, said: “We are delighted to see the bin surrounds initiative launch in Cavan. Every new location strengthens the impact of this programme, making recycling more visible, accessible, and convenient for people on the go. The public response so far has been extremely positive, with strong uptake in each county the bin surrounds have been introduced. By working in partnership with local authorities, we are not only keeping streets cleaner but also helping to embed lasting recycling habits that benefit both our communities and the environment. Today’s launch in Cavan marks another important step towards 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.