Deposit Return Scheme

What is the Deposit Return Scheme?

depositreturnscheme

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was introduced on 1 February 2024. When you buy a drink in a plastic bottle, aluminium can, or steel can displaying the Re-turn logo, you pay a small deposit in addition to the purchase price.

 

The scheme applies to containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres:

  • 15c deposit on containers from 150ml to 500ml
  • 25c deposit on containers from over 500ml to 3 litres

 

When you return an empty, undamaged container with the Re-turn logo to a participating retailer, you receive your deposit back in full. Containers can be returned either over the counter or through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).

 

Please note all dairy products e.g. milk, yogurt drinks and containers purchased before 1 February 2024 are not included in the scheme but should still be recycled.

 

Why are we moving from placing bottles and cans in the green bin to Deposit Return?

By placing a value on drinks containers, the Deposit Return Scheme incentivises consumers to return their empty bottles and cans to reclaim their deposit and helps discourage littering.

The scheme is a circular economy initiative designed to create a closed-loop recycling system, ensuring that drinks containers are collected and recycled into new bottles and cans.

In addition, the separate collection of drinks containers reduces cross-contamination, resulting in higher-quality recyclable material and a more efficient recycling process.

 

Where can I return my plastic bottles and aluminium cans?

You can find your nearest participating retailer at 

https://re-turn.ie/#WhereToReturn

 

I am a retailer of plastic bottles and alluminium cans, do I have to take back these products?

Yes. Retailers that sell drinks in plastic bottles or aluminium cans covered by the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) must register with Deposit Return Scheme Ireland (DRSI).

 

By registering, retailers agree to:

  • Charge the applicable deposit on all in-scope products (15c for containers from 150ml–500ml and 25c for containers from 500ml–3 litres).
  • Accept returns of eligible empty containers, either through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or manual take-back.
  • Store returned containers securely for collection by DRSI.
  • Refund the deposit to consumers when they return an empty, undamaged container displaying the Re-turn logo.

Retailers receive a handling fee for each eligible container they collect.

 

Take-Back Exemption: Retailers with premises of 250m² or less may be eligible for a take-back exemption, depending on their store format and circumstances.

 

Where can I find more information?

For information on the Deposit Return Scheme please visit www.re-turn.ie