More than 5.6m containers collected so far via Deposit Return Scheme

A deposit return point in Dublin. To locate the nearest deposit return point, individuals can visit the Re-turn 'Where To Return' map. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Almost one million drink containers were returned last weekend as part of the Re-turn deposit scheme, bringing the total number of containers collected to more than 5.6m since its launch on February 1.

Some 3.6m drink containers were returned within the first 10 days of March alone, breaking the record for February, where only two million were returned.

There are more than 2,300 Reverse vending machines across the country.

Re-turn CEO Ciaran Foley said it is “delighted” with the number of plastic bottles and cans being returned by consumers.

“We’ve gone from collecting thousands of bottles a day to now bringing back hundreds of thousands. It’s a clear sign that our efforts to encourage recycling and support Ireland’s environmental goals are resonating,” he said.

Consumers pay a deposit when they buy a bottle or can and get it back when they return it empty and undamaged to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide.

Consumers will be issued a voucher at the reverse vending machine that can be redeemed at the till against store purchases or as a cash refund.

If returning items over the counter, retailers will ensure the drinks container features the Re-turn logo and provide a refund if it is undamaged.

To locate the nearest deposit return point, individuals can visit the Re-turn 'Where To Return' map.

This map is accessible either by scanning a QR code on Take Back Exemption certificates in stores or supermarkets or by visiting https://re-turn.ie/#WhereToReturn.