Deposit Return Scheme

When you buy a drink in a container with the Re-turn logo, you are charged a small refundable deposit. You can then claim back the levy by returning the empty container.

This bottle and can recycling system is known as the Deposit Return Scheme. The scheme began on 1 February 2024.

The cost of the deposit is automatically added to the cost of the drink.

You can get your deposit by returning your containers as long as they are empty and undamaged.

Most drinks containers such as bottles, cans and tins made from plastic, aluminium or steel can be returned once they are between 150ml and 3 litres in size and have the Re-turn logo on them.

The containers should be empty, undamaged and in their original shape. The container should have a Re-turn logo and the barcode must also be readable.

What containers are not included in the recycling scheme?

Some containers are not included in the scheme and can’t be returned, including:

• Glass bottles or containers
• All dairy containers (for example, milk or yogurt containers)
• Containers over 3 litres

You can not return drinks containers that were bought before 1 February 2024 as they do not have the Re-turn logo or barcode.

Since 1 June 2024, all containers included in the scheme should have a Re-turn logo.

If your container doesn't have a Re-turn logo on it, you can't return it and it should be recycled as normal.

Should I leave the bottle cap on when returning my bottle?

You should leave the bottle cap on your bottle when you return it. This will ensure that:

• The bottle cap is properly recycled
• The bottle holds its shape, making it easier for the machine to read the barcode

Since 3 July 2024, all plastic drink containers of up to 3 litre in size must have their caps attached to them. This helps make sure that bottle caps are properly recycled with bottles. This rule was introduced as part of the EU’s Directive on single-use plastics. The European Commission has more information on their plans to tackle single-use plastics.

The deposit costs between 15-25 cent depending on the size of the container.

• Containers between 150ml to 500ml have a 15 cent deposit
• Containers over 500ml to 3 litres have a 25 cent deposit

You can return your containers to shops that sell drink containers with the Re-turn logo. You don't need to return your containers to the same shop that you bought them from.

At the shops you can either return the containers:

• Using a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)
• Manually in the shop

Not all shops have a Reverse Vending Machine.

If a shop does not have a RVM but they sell containers with the Re-turn logo, the shop may allow you to manually return containers in store, unless they have a take back exemption, see below.

Re-turn.ie has an interactive map, which shows you all the locations where you can return your containers. You can also search by entering an address or Eircode.

Find the map and other information about where to return your containers on the Re-turn website.

Take back exemptions

Certain businesses can get a take back exemption, which means they don't have to take back containers for the Deposit Return Scheme. For example, retail outlets with less than 250 square metres of customer-facing space can apply for an exemption. Re-turn have more information about take back exemptions (pdf) and what shops can apply for them.

How do I collect my deposit?

If you are using a Reverse Vending Machine, you will be given a voucher for the value of the deposit on the number of containers you returned. You can choose to use your voucher to buy something in that specific shop or to refund your voucher for cash.

If you return your containers using an RVM, you can only use or get a refund for your voucher in the same shop where you returned the bottles. You cannot reclaim your voucher in a shop if you used a RVM in a different shop.

Some restaurants and cafés may charge you a deposit fee if you buy a drink that comes in a container.

Generally, sit-down restaurants and other businesses that focus on on-site consumption will not charge you a deposit fee. This is because they can collect and return the drink containers themselves.

Take-aways and other businesses that focus on off-site consumption, will generally charge you a deposit fee. This is because you will usually take the container away with you.

For more information on this scheme and how it works, you can visit the Re-turn website.