Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), has partnered with professional organiser Sarah Reynolds for practical tips to store drinks containers at home.
The founder of Organised Chaos is offering her expertise to ensure consumers can store empty bottles and cans at home before depositing them as part of the DRS.
Research from Re-turn – complied with Bounce Insights – revealed that some 60% of people wait until their designated bag is full of plastic bottles and cans before disposing of them at their local DRS return point.
With that in mind, Reynolds has provided storage hacks while the September routine reset is in full swing, as well as tips to incorporating returning into your schedule.
Tips & Tricks
A dedicated ‘landing spot’ – at home or in the car – for empty drinks containers to store uncrushed and undamaged makes it easy to gather all the containers in one place.
For smaller spaces, consider a container or box tucked into the corner of a counter or table.
Pick it up to empty at the nearest DRS spot, or transfer the contents into a bag if you are concerned the box might not make it home!
In a larger space, go for a bigger storage solution with removable bags for ease of movement.
Alternatively, sorting bins or crates can work well for outdoors or utility rooms, with handles for better access.
For anyone looking to store containers in the car, a boot organiser or large labelled box could work, and Reynolds advises labelling storage solutions to avoid mixing contents.
Returning
The best way to create a new habit is to add it to an existing one, so Reynolds advises returning drinks containers as part of a set part of your routine.
This can be just before the food shop, going to or from an exercise class, to or from visiting family, to or from a weekly outing or to or from work one day a week.
Once the return is completed, consider using a small wallet to collect vouchers and keep them somewhere convenient like a car glove box or a bag.
If returning containers just before the weekly shop, use the voucher immediately to offset the final cost of shopping.
‘A Great Opportunity’
Speaking about the DRS, Reynolds said, “The introduction of Ireland’s DRS offers a great opportunity to promote sustainable habits, and I am thrilled to come on board and provide my expertise to help make the most of your space when collecting cans and bottles.
“An important part of sustaining organised spaces in the home is by incorporating a routine to keep it organised, with the right tools and tips, a Re-turn routine is simple to achieve an helps everyone do their part for the environment.”
For more tips and tricks, visit Reynolds’ Instagram page.
Read More: Re-turn Reports Over 400m Containers Returned Since Start Of DRS
