Record number of drinks containers returned in June

Over 90 million drinks containers were returned in June under the Deposit Return Scheme.

Re-turn, operators of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, said it is pleased to announce the scheme continues to grow, with June seeing a new monthly return record.

The June figure represents a significant rise from 78 million in May. As of July 2, 2024, the cumulative number of containers returned through the scheme has surpassed a remarkable 250 million.

Ireland averaged 3 million containers returned per day in June, demonstrating continuous growth in participation and support for the Scheme since its launch on February 1.

The highest daily returns to date were recorded on Saturday, June 22, which saw 3.55 million drinks containers being returned by Irish consumers. The final week of June, 24 – 30, saw over 22 million drinks containers brought back to deposit return points across the country.

Speaking on the growth to date, CEO of Re-turn, Ciaran Foley, said: “June was another strong month for returns by consumers in Ireland. It has been very positive to see the rising figures thanks to the Irish public who are now returning three million drinks containers every day on average. Now that the transition period is over all drinks containers in the Scheme must display the Re-turn logo.

“It is also very encouraging to see the Deposit Return Scheme being credited with lower litter levels across Ireland in the recently published IBAL report. Less litter on our streets and countryside has always been a key objective for Re-turn and it’s great to see progress being made in this area.”