What is the Deposit Return Scheme?
The Deposit Return Scheme is a new bottle and recycling system. It began on 1 February 2024. When you buy a drink in a container with a Re-turn logo, you are charged a small refundable deposit. Under the Deposit Return Scheme, you can get your deposit back by returning the empty container.
How much is the deposit on a container?
Containers between 150ml to 500ml have a 15 cent deposit. Containers over 500ml to 3 litres have a 25 cent deposit. The deposit is added to the overall cost of the drink.
Where do I return containers and get my deposit refunded?
You can return containers to shops that sell containers with the Re-turn logo. You do not have to return containers to the same place you bought them. You can either return containers using a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or manually in the shop.
If you use a RVM, you will get a voucher for the value of the deposit on the containers you returned. You can use the voucher towards a purchase in the shop or you can refund the voucher for cash. Vouchers can only be used or refunded in the shop you got them from.
Some businesses may have a take back exemption (pdf)because they also sell food or because they are under a certain size.. You can check the interactive map on the Re-Turn website to see where you can return your containers.
What if there is no logo on the container but I was charged a deposit?
There is a transition period for retailers from 1 February 2024 to 1 June 2024. During this time, shops can sell new containers with the logo and older containers without the logo.
Containers without a logo may still have barcodes that have been registered as part of the scheme. If you are charged a deposit on such a container, you can return it even if it does not have a logo.
You will not be charged a deposit on containers without a logo and without a registered barcode – these containers can be recycled in your green bin at home. After 1 June 2024, all containers included in the scheme will have the Re-turn logo and a registered barcode.
Read more about the Deposit Return Scheme on https://bit.ly/TheDepositReturnScheme, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).
Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000.
