Government Introduces Deposit Return Scheme 29/11/2022

The Deposit Return Scheme was announced by the Minister of State for Public Procurement and eGovernment, Ossian Smyth TD this week. When the scheme launches in early February 2024, you will be charged a small deposit on each drink featuring the    Re-turn logo, which is fully refundable when the empty drinks container is returned.

Here's how it works

When you have finished your drink:

• Return your empty, undamaged container to any retailer, regardless of where it was purchased
• Return the empty container to a reverse vending machine (RVM) or manually over the counter

• Get your deposit refund in full or use your deposit for further purchases or donate to a charity

Convenient for Everyone

With return points all across Ireland, returning your Re-turn drinks containers couldn't be easier. Anywhere that sells drinks with the Re-turn logo, must accept your empty, undamaged containers and refund your deposit in cash or against other purchases.

Communities Together

Recycling is one of the most effective actions we can take as individuals and communities to tackle climate change. Working together with a common purpose, we can protect our communities and create a healthy and positive footprint for future generations.

Protecting our Environment

Internationally, Deposit Return Schemes have proven very successful in reducing litter. By placing a monetary value on these drinks containers, there is more incentive for consumers to return them, rather than littering our environment.

Circular Economy Initiative

As a circular economy initiative, the new Deposit Return Scheme 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.

All eligible drinks containers will display the Re-turn logo, making it easy to identify what is included in the Deposit Return Scheme. Drinks containers must be returned empty and undamaged.

PLASTIC

Material:

Plastic bottles

Capacity:

150ml to 3 litres

ALUMINIUM/STEEL CANS

Material:

Aluminum and steel cans

Capacity:

150ml to 3 litres

NOT INCLUDED

What cannot be returned

Not every drink container is eligible for Deposit Return. Only drinks in PET plastic bottles, aluminium & steel cans from 150ml to 3 litres are included in the Scheme.

Remember, all drink containers included in the scheme will feature the Re-turn logo.

The following are NOT included in the Deposit Return Scheme:

All dairy products. Eg. Milk, yogurt drinks

These containers will not have a Re-turn logo (these should be put in your Thorntons Recycling Green Recycling bin)

For more information visit the Re-Turn website.