Over 600 million Plastic Bottles and Cans Brought Back by People in Ireland
- Over 600 million drinks containers have been returned since the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme on February 1, 2024.
- Almost 900,000 plastic bottles and cans were returned at events.
- Over €70,000 in deposit donations has been raised for the Return for Children charity initiative, with 470,000 containers donated.
Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, today announced that over 600 million plastic bottles and cans have been returned since the Scheme launched on February 1, 2024. The 600 millionth drinks container was returned on Saturday, October 12th.
As a circular economy initiative, Ireland’s 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. Through the Deposit Return Scheme, aluminium cans can be recycled infinitely while PET plastic bottles can be recycled multiple times, reducing the need for virgin materials. By returning drinks containers, consumers are contributing to a sustainable future and guaranteeing that materials are recycled into new drinks containers.
Return for Children
In June, the Deposit Return Scheme launched its charity initiative, ‘Return for Children’ which directly supports six national children’s charities, Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack and Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland. Collectively, these six charities support over 165,000 vulnerable and seriously ill children in communities across Ireland.
Thanks to the support of eventgoers throughout the summer, almost 900,000 drinks containers were returned at participating events. Over €70,000 was raised for the Return for Children charity initiative, with 470,000 containers donated. Designated Re-turn donation bins were present at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival, Taste of Dublin, and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at the Aviva Stadium.
In a festival first, deposit return reverse vending machines (RVMs) were also provided at Electric Picnic, giving festival goers the option to donate their deposits or receive a voucher to use against purchases on site or get the cash back.
Commenting on the fundraising figures to date, CEO of Re-turn, Ciaran Foley, said: “We’re delighted that our summer event initiatives have been such a success. Not only did it help reduce litter at these venues and contribute to the 600 million drinks containers returned to date, but it also provided much needed funds for Return for Children, our charity fundraising initiative.
As the initiative continues to grow, we’re excited to introduce new partnerships with Aviva Stadium, Croke Park and others. Re-turn will continue to provide the facilities for visitors to donate their plastic bottles and cans towards Return for Children, while contributing to a circular economy to protect our environment.”
Speaking on behalf of the six charities, Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble, commented:
“This summer saw six national children’s charities unite for the first time under the Return for Children initiative, in partnership with Re-turn, to raise vital funds for vulnerable and critically seriously ill children across Ireland. By simply returning containers at festivals and events, the public has played an essential role in supporting us, and we’re encouraged by the collection results so far. We’re deeply grateful for this opportunity to engage with the public in a way that not only helps protect the environment but also benefits so many deserving children. Our hope is that Return for Children will become synonymous with charitable giving through the Deposit Return Scheme.”
Event organisers, businesses or local community organisations who want to fundraise for Return for Children through Deposit Return, can get information and guidance on how to best do this by contacting communities@re-turn.ie
Return for Children
‘Return for Children’ is a new charity fundraising initiative supporting six national children’s charities—Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland, Jack and Jill Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Childline by ISPCC—launched in collaboration with Re-turn, the operators of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
This charity initiative empowers the public to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and those with serious illnesses by simply recycling. ‘Return for Children’ offers a unique opportunity for everyone to contribute to both environmental sustainability and charitable giving.