Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme: Two Years On, What's the Verdict?

It's been a little over two years since Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme, managed by Re-Turn, officially kicked off in early 2024. The idea was simple, yet ambitious: get more of our cans and bottles recycled by adding a small deposit to their price, which you get back when you return the empty container. In theory, it sounds like a no-brainer for a greener Ireland. But as with any big change, the reality has been a bit more complicated, and the scheme has certainly sparked a lot of discussion.

When the Ireland Deposit Return Scheme first launched, we heard a lot of grumbles. People complained about the extra cost, the hassle of holding onto empty bottles, and the sometimes-finicky return machines. There was a sense that for all the environmental ambition, the practicalities weren't quite ironed out. Liveline listeners, never shy about sharing their frustrations, were quick to voice their concerns about the costs and the sheer inconvenience of it all. Pricewatch readers echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the snags in what was meant to be a smooth system.

The Numbers Game: Are We Actually Recycling More?

Despite the initial teething problems, the numbers suggest the Ireland Deposit Return Scheme is starting to make a real impact. This is where the rubber meets the road, isn't it? Are we actually recycling more, or are we just moving bottles from one bin to another? Well, according to Re-Turn, the figures are looking pretty positive.

Last year, a staggering 1.4 billion cans and bottles were returned through the scheme. Now, that's a lot of containers. To put it in perspective, that's up from 877 million in 2024.