Dublin, Friday 19th July 2024: Re-turn, operators of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is pleased to announce further record-breaking recycling achievements with 300 million drinks containers now returned since the Scheme launched on February 1, 2024. This milestone was achieved on Thursday, July 18.
Over 3.66 million drinks containers were returned on Saturday July 13, the highest ever returned in a single day, demonstrating continued public support for the scheme.
The bumper weekend continued with Sunday, July 14, achieving over 3.49 million returns resulting in over 7.1 million total returns across the two days. The highest returns over a two-day weekend.
Progress made since the launch
Drinks Containers returned in Months:
- 2m containers February
- 20m containers in March
- 51m containers in April
- 78m containers in May
- 90 m containers in June
- 54 m containers in July to date
Speaking on the continued growth, CEO of Re-turn, Ciaran Foley, said:
“As we approach the six-month mark in operation in Ireland, it is incredible to see the figures continue to rise as consumers embrace this Scheme. The immediate benefits are already evident with less litter being reported across Ireland. I have no doubt that the longer-term
benefits such as increased recycling rates and community fundraising will be achieved sooner than expected if this momentum continues.”
Return for Children
In June, ‘Return for Children’ was launched. A new charity fundraising initiative supporting six national children’s charities, Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland.
Working with Re-turn, the goal of this initiative is to reduce mixed litter at events and provide attendees with the option of donating their bottle and can deposits at designated Re-turn bins, with all deposit return proceeds going to the six charities.
Re-turn is encouraging event organisers to get in touch at info@re-turn.ie to find out how they can set up ‘Return for Children’ collections at their events.