Ireland collects 2.4 billion bottles and aluminium cans through deposit scheme

Ireland’s effort to reshape recycling habits is showing scale. More than 2.4 billion plastic bottles and aluminium cans have been collected since the launch of the country’s deposit return scheme, according to new figures released as the initiative marks its second anniversary.

The programme, managed by Re-turn, has rapidly built a nationwide collection network. Sensoneo - the Slovakia-based company that delivered the end-to-end IT solution for Re-turn - reported that 3,133 active collection points are now operating, supported by 2,798 reverse vending machines (RVMs) installed across the state in less than two years.

Participation has broadened alongside the infrastructure. Nearly 12,200 products spanning PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans have been registered under the scheme, which applies to containers ranging from 150ml to 3L carrying the return logo.

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Accessibility has also expanded beyond the mainland. In December 2025, Re-turn extended its RVM and recycling infrastructure to Arranmore Island in Co Donegal, Cape Clear Island in Co Cork, and Inishturk in Co Mayo - a move that signaled the scheme’s growing geographic footprint.

Earlier data from Re-turn indicated that recycling rates for drinks containers have climbed from 49 per cent to an estimated level exceeding 90 per cent since the programme began, with more than 76 per cent of that volume captured directly through the scheme.

Yet the initiative has not been without criticism. Dublin City Council’s chief, Richard Shakespeare, recently suggested the scheme has contributed to increased littering in the capital, noting that the city’s “most vulnerable citizens needing to go chasing bottles and cans out of bins.” He estimated the additional cleaning costs at between EUR 500,000 and EUR 1 million annually.

Re-turn responded by stating it is open to discussions with Dublin City Council regarding how the Deposit Return Scheme operates in the city centre.

"Our goal is to support our partners in delivering a successful Deposit Return Scheme in Ireland," Re-turn's statement said.

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