Since its introduction in February 2024, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has seen the public return over 1.6 billion bottles and cans, reports Breaking News.
That’s according to the latest figures released by Re-turn, the organisation responsible for managing the scheme.
Re-turn’s most recent data also reveals that roughly 798 million more containers are now being recycled annually compared to pre-launch levels, reports Breaking News.
Recycling rates have jumped from 49 per cent to an estimated 91 per cent, with 76 per cent of containers collected directly through the DRS, and another 15 per cent recovered via mixed dry recycling streams.
Chair of Re-turn’s board, Tony Keohane, stated: “The board is very encouraged by the strong performance and early impact of the scheme since its launch in February of last year,” reports Breaking News.
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“Re-turn has delivered a Deposit Return Scheme that is already achieving measurable environmental results and social impact, including the return of over 1.6 billion bottles and cans and a significant increase in Ireland’s national recycling rate for drinks containers. This has been driven by extraordinary collaboration across government, retailers, producers and the wider supply chain, and most importantly by the enthusiastic participation of the Irish public. The Board extends its sincere thanks to all stakeholders for their continued support. We look forward to building on this momentum as we work together to meet the ambitious targets ahead,” reports Breaking News.
Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien described the DRS as having already become a “landmark initiative” in Irish society.
“It demonstrates that when change is right, Irish people will embrace it. I’m absolutely delighted to see such a strong response, with over 1.6 billion containers returned by families, organisations, and communities across the country,” he said, reports Breaking News.
“I want to commend and congratulate Re-turn for their outstanding work to date, and I look forward to seeing the organisation progressing its plans to recycle plastic materials here in Ireland,” reports Breaking News.
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