You may have heard the radio ads or read about it in the media but on 1 February 2024 the Government of Ireland launched a major new initiative to encourage us to live a little greener. The Re-Turn scheme is a new way of recycling your empty cans and plastic bottles – and get some money back! Here’s our quick guide to how it works.
The Deposit Return Scheme is a government initiative to reduce waste and improve the rate of recycling in Ireland. Currently, over 60% of plastic bottles and cans are being collected for recycling - which means that over 30% are not being collected or recycled.
The new scheme sees a small refundable deposit added to every eligible can or plastic bottle. The aim is to encourage consumers to return their empties so they can receive their refund and increase Ireland’s recycling efforts as a result.
From 1 February 2024, when you buy a drink featuring the Re-Turn logo, you will be charged a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. The deposit is 15c for containers from 150ml to 500ml and 25c for containers over 500mls to 3 litres.
When you return your empty, undamaged container to any retail outlet that is registered to take returns, you’ll get a voucher to the value of your deposit which can be redeemed in store or exchanged for cash at the till.
The scheme includes PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between 150ml and 3 litres. They will need to be empty, undamaged and the barcode needs to be clearly legible.
Please note that if you paid the deposit on a can, even if the can does not have the DRS logo you are still entitled to a refund.
You can use the barcode checker to see if a product is registered: https://re-turn.ie/consumer/#barcodeChecker
Not all drinks containers can be ‘Re-Turned’. For example, dairy products such as milk cartons or yoghurt drinks are not included in the scheme, but these can be recycled in your green bin as normal. Glass containers are also not included but can be recycled at your nearest bottle bank.
Tip: Look for the Re-Turn logo on any bottle or can to see whether or not it's eligible.
You can return your containers to any shop registered to take returns, regardless of where you first bought them. Some stores will have Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), where you can return your containers and receive a voucher to be used in that store either for purchases or to exchange for cash.
Some stores are exempt from accepting empties due to size, but you will be able to find your nearest return location via this interactive map.
Nine O’Briens stores – listed below - have the Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) where you can return your empties. Some of our smaller stores are exempt from taking returns but you’ll be able to find your nearest participating location on re-turn.ie.
Ballybrack
Unit 7, Ballybrack S.C., Church View Road, Ballybrack, Dublin, A96 NK41
Nutgrove
Unit D2 Nutgrove S.C., Nutgrove Way, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
Limerick
Unit 8, Parkway S.C., Dublin Road, Limerick
Carlow
2-3 Exchequer House, Potato Market, Carlow
Lucan
Unit 28, Lucan S.C., Lucan, Dublin
Glasnevin
6 Finglas Rd, Finglas East, Dublin, D11 W310, Ireland
Blanchardstown
Unit 6 Westend Shopping Park, Westend Village, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Carrickmines
Units 1 & 3 Ground Floor, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18
Beacon
Unit 5, Block D, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, Dublin, D18 TK68
No, you will need to return all empties via your local Reverse Vending Machine.
Check out the Re-Turn website or the Citizens Information Bureau for further information on the scheme.