Deposit Return Scheme FAQs
The Deposit Return Scheme start date
The Deposit Return Scheme will start on 1 February 2024.
How retailers will take back empty containers which are eligible for return
Retailers may opt for either manual return or for automatic collection, through Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Retailers can choose whether they opt for an RVM or not. It is not compulsory to have a Reverse Vending Machine. All Tesco stores will have RVMs.
Returning drinks containers bought before 1 February 2024
Drinks containers which have been bought before 1 February 2024 are not included in the Deposit Return Scheme but should still be recycled. From 1 February 2024, when you buy a drinks container which has the Re-turn logo on it, you'll be charged a small deposit in addition to the purchase price of the drink. This deposit will be fully refunded when you return your empty, undamaged drinks container. Retailers will have a transition period from 1 February–1 May 2024.
The deposit fee
From 1 February 2024, when you buy a drink featuring the Re-turn logo, you'll be charged a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. The drinks containers included in the scheme are PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between 150mls and 3 litres. A deposit of 15c will apply to containers from 150ml to 500ml inclusive, and a deposit of 25c for containers over 500mls to 3 litres inclusive.
Getting your deposit back
From 1 February 2024, when you purchase a drink featuring the Re-turn logo and pay your deposit fee, you'll get a full refund of the deposit when you return the empty, undamaged container to any store that sells drinks with the Re-turn logo.
How to use a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)
All Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) will have clear instructions to tell you how drinks containers featuring the Re-turn logo should be inserted into the machine. When containers are inserted, the machine reads the containers, confirms they are part of the Deposit Return Scheme, and then issues a voucher for the amount of containers returned.
Different deposit fees for different containers
Deposit fees will vary to reflect the size of the drinks containers, and the value of the material they're made of.
Why we're changing from green bins to the Deposit Return Scheme
On average, over 60% of plastic bottles and cans are being collected for recycling through green bins. This means that over 30% are not collected, leading to increased littering. By placing a value on the drinks containers, the aim of the scheme is to give people an incentive to return their bottles and cans to get their deposit back and reduce littering. Collecting drinks containers separately also means there's no cross contamination and the quality of the recycled material collected is higher, making recycling more efficient. The Deposit Return Scheme is a government-led initiative that aims to create a closed loop recycling system. This guarantees the material is returned and recycled into new drinks containers.
The types of drinks containers you can return
You can return PET plastic drinks containers, steel and aluminium cans between 150ml and 3 litres that show the Re-turn logo. They'll need to be empty and undamaged, and the barcode needs to be clearly legible. Remember, not all drinks containers are eligible for Deposit Return. Only drinks containers with the Re-turn logo are included in the scheme. No dairy products are included in the scheme, e.g. milk or yogurt drinks. These containers will not have a Re-turn logo and should still be recycled at home.
Removing caps/lids when returning plastic bottles
You can return your empty, undamaged plastic bottle with or without the cap. We recommend returning bottles with caps on, so they can be recycled too. Also, if the bottle cap is still on, it helps to preserve the shape of the bottle.
Recycling glass containers
Currently, the recycling rate for glass is over 80% in Ireland, and is beating glass recycling targets. This is why there are no plans to include this material in the scheme.
Recycling the drink containers after collection
All containers collected will be sent to be recycled. The aim of the Deposit Return Scheme is to maximise the amount and quality of the material collected for recycling.
The company responsible for delivering the scheme
DRSI CLG, trading as Re-turn, is the new company limited by guarantee that is responsible for the scheme. It was established by beverage producers and retailers in order to fulfil their obligations under the government's Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021. The new scheme brings together all parties involved in the manufacture, selling and consumption of beverages. This type of scheme has already been proven to be very successful in increasing collection rates all around the world.
What to do if a Reverse Vending Machine is not working
If an RVM isn't working properly, go in-store to the Customer Service desk and let one of our colleagues know.
How to use the deposit refund voucher
The vouchers can only be redeemed in-store.
Returning containers to delivery drivers
Our delivery drivers can't take any empty containers, as mixing used, empty bottles and cans with fresh food deliveries would result in cross contamination, causing a possible health risk.
Accepting refund vouchers from other retailers
We can't accept vouchers from other retailers. You can only use your voucher with the retailer that you got it from.
Returning empty containers to stores
You can return your container to any store participating in the scheme. It doesn't have to be the one where you bought the product.
Choosing how to get your deposit back
You can choose to use your refund voucher towards paying for a product you buy in-store, or get it back in cash.
How to find out more
If you have any other questions about the scheme, please contact Re-turn by email at info@re-turn.ie. Or call on 01 461 8680.