🇮🇪 DUBLIN, July 2026 — Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has surpassed 3 billion returned bottles and cans, marking a major milestone just over two years after its launch and highlighting the rapid adoption of deposit return systems across Europe.

📊 According to scheme operator Re-turn, around 78–79% of eligible beverage containers are now collected through the deposit system, while the country aims to increase the return rate to 90% by 2029. Combined with household recycling, more than 90% of plastic beverage containers are now being collected for recycling. Approximately 800 million additional bottles and cans are recycled each year compared with pre-DRS levels.

The impact extends beyond recycling rates. Independent monitoring indicates a significant reduction in bottle and can litter on Irish streets and beaches since the scheme was introduced, while 93% of the population has already participated by returning containers.

The system has also generated social benefits. More than 5,400 schools, charities and community organisations have used returned deposits to raise funds, with campaigns supporting local projects and national children's charities.

💬 "Every container returned helps keep valuable material in circulation, reduce litter and support a more circular economy," said Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn.

Ireland's experience is increasingly viewed as a reference point for countries expanding deposit return systems to meet EU circular economy and packaging recycling targets.

📌 Source: Re-turn, The Sun Ireland image credit: Getty