The Deposit Return Scheme has reached a milestone 200 million containers returned by Irish consumers.
Re-turn, the operator of the scheme, says an average of 2.9 million containers were returned every day in June.
June 1st saw the scheme expanded to all eligible bottles and cans on sale as old stock was phased out by retailers.
Earlier this month Re-turn announced a new charity fundraising initiative in partnership with six of Ireland’s national children’s charities.
The initiative will give people attending large events the option to donate their bottle and can deposits at designated Re-turn bins to charity.
A Deposit Return machine for cans and bottles outside a Lidl in Dublin, 1-2-24. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieRe-turn CEO Ciaran Foley said the public have shown great support and engagement with the Deposit Return Scheme.
"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," he said.
"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."
Re-turn has also provided a breakdown of progress made since the scheme was launched.
Total containers returned:
- Over 2m containers February
- Over 20m containers in March
- Over 50m containers in April
- Over 78m containers in May
- Over 49m containers in June to date
Daily average of containers returned:
- 69,000 containers a day in February
- 670,000 containers a day in March
- 1.7 million containers a day in April
- 2.5 million containers a day in May
- 2.9 million containers a day in June to date
Re-turn says by separating plastic and aluminium from general recycling, Ireland can achieve a 98% quality of recyclate - surpassing the 80% effectiveness of the recycling bin system.
