The majority of Irish people now support the Deposit Return Scheme as it marks six months in action. 

Over 347 million containers have been returned to vending machines since February 1st. 

According to Re-turn, 102 million containers were returned in July alone, a 100 million increase from February when the scheme first started. 

Some 84% of people have now used a reverse vending machine, according to Re-turn, while 74% support the scheme.

3.2 million containers on average were returned every day in July, compared to 69,000 in February. 

The biggest jump in containers being returned was in March, which saw an 18 million increase to 20 million containers returned. 

A worker demonstrates a Deposit Return Scheme Reverse Vending Machine in a Marks & Spencer supermarket in Dublin, 1-2-34. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk

Over half of consumers (59%) bring their empty drink containers back when their bag or box is full at home, while 36% bring them back whenever they go to a grocery shop.   

When the voucher has been issued, 20% opt for their cash back while 62% redeem the voucher immediately for grocery shopping. 

Re-turn CEO Ciaran Foley said he has seen “incredible engagement with the Scheme during its first six months in operation”. 

“The immediate impact, as shown in the recent Irish Business Against Litter survey, has been more than we could have anticipated. 

“The nationwide research found that almost 30% fewer cans and 20% fewer plastic bottles are littering streets.” 

There are currently 2,500 reverse vending machines around the county, up 1,800 from the initial launch. 

There are also 323 “manual return points” nationwide. 

Return for charity

In June, Re-turn partnered with six of Ireland’s leading children’s charities including Barnados and Childline to launch ‘Return for Children’. 

Containers at festivals and other events can be returned to special bins, with the deposit return proceeds going to the six charities. 

Mr Foley said over 140 community and non-profit organisations across the country are now working with Re-turn to carry out fundraising efforts. 

“While I believe we have come a long way, we are continuing to explore new ways to grow the adoption of the scheme in the interest of the environment and communities across Ireland,” he said. 

Irish Rail recently warned people not to rummage through bins for containers to return due to the risk of getting pricked by syringes.