Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), today announced that Irish consumers have returned over 200 million containers since the start of the scheme, in February.
Since the start of June, an average of 2.9 million containers are being returned daily, showing a stark increase from the two million containers returned in the entire month of February.
As a circular-economy initiative, the DRS aims to move away from the ‘take, make and dispose’ culture to one of returning valuable materials and keeping them in the economy for as long as possible.
Through the DRS, aluminium cans can be recycled infinitely, while PET plastic bottles can be recycled multiple times.
This dramatically reduces waste and the need for virgin materials.
By returning drinks containers, consumers are contributing to a sustainable future.
The news comes ahead of the European Single-Use Plastic Directive, which requires PET bottle lids to be tethered to bottles under three litres from 3 July.
The initiative works hand in hand with the DRS, as drinks containers must be undamaged when returned, and the attached lids help maintain the shape of empty bottles.
‘Positive About The Future’
Speaking about the milestone, the chief executive of Re-turn, Ciaran Foley, said, “Since the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme, Irish consumers have shown great support and engagement, and the past few weeks are a testament, as we have achieved yet another milestone.
“With over 200 million drinks containers returned, we are positive about the future and believe that our network across Ireland is ready to meet new levels of demand.
“By working together, we are contributing to a green future for generations to come, and we at Re-turn are excited for the busy summer months ahead.”
Earlier this month, Re-turn announced a charity fundraising initiative taking place at events across the country, called ‘Return for Children’.
In partnership with six children’s charities – Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and Make-A-Wish Ireland – the initiative provides consumers with the opportunity to return containers at events and donate the deposit to the charities.
Donations are divided equally among the six organisations, and pop-ups can be found at events such as Electric Picnic and Taste of Dublin.
Read More: Re-turn Launches New Children’s Charity Initiative
