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

      • 28 surrounds installed in County Westmeath.
      • 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 stone building with a clock tower, holding two large banners that read ‘Environment and Climate Change’ and ‘environment@westmeathcoco.ie’. In front of them is a black recycling bin with several colorful plastic bottles displayed on top, featuring a label with text in Irish and English promoting recycling.
Pictured left to right: Cllr. Aoife Davitt, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, Ciaran Hope, Chief Operating Officer of Re-turn, Shane Byrne, Environmental Awareness Officer at Westmeath County Council & Cllr. Vinny McCormack, Mayor of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

 

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 28 new bin surrounds have been installed across locations in Westmeath including; 7 bins in Athlone and 21 bins in Mullingar.

 

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 over the past few months. This initiative aims to make on-the-go recycling visible and accessible while reducing litter and preserving valuable recyclable materials.

 

Statement from Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council

Councillor Aoife Davitt, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council said: “Westmeath County Council is delighted to partner with Re-turn to launch this vital on-the-go recycling initiative. We are committed to supporting Ireland’s transition to a circular economy. This initiative is essential to enhancing recycling in public spaces and nurturing a low-carbon future, which I am confident will drive positive and meaningful change.”

 

Comment from Re-turn.

Commenting on the launch, Ciaran Hope, Chief Operating Officer of Re-turn, said: “It’s great to see the bin surrounds initiative launch in Westmeath today. 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 Westmeath 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.