Deposit Return Scheme reaches milestone one billion returns mark

Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), is today celebrating the milestone of one billion drinks containers returned by the Irish public.

The company said the number of bottles and cans returned over the past year would be enough to circle the globe 4.7 times.

The one billionth drinks container was returned to a Lidl branch in Kilcarbery, Dublin, on Tuesday last, 4 February, as daily return numbers continue to grow from thousands in February 2024, to now reaching over five million a day on several occasions.

Since a 'Return for Children' scheme was launched in June, drinks containers have been donated to the initiative at public events, raising €90,000 to date for charitable causes.

'Return for Children' was created to support six national children’s charities, Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack and Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland.

Commenting, Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said: "One year on, we have reached a major milestone.

"It is a fantastic achievement to have one billion drinks containers returned, and it is great to see the growing support which is evident through the daily number of bottles and cans being returned.

"The impact of the scheme in the community is also something to be celebrated with more than 2,200 community initiatives nationwide fundraising through the DRS. This all possible thanks to the public, who continue to come together for the good of the planet and each other.”

Communities and event organisers who want to fundraise through Deposit Return for ‘Return for Children’ or their own chosen initiatives can get further guidance on how to do so by contacting: communities@re-turn.ie.