Ireland marks over 600 million returns through DRS

Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s DRS, said that the 600 millionth drinks container was returned on 12 October.

The operator said that the scheme aims to move away from the “take, make and dispose” culture to one of returning valuable materials and keeping them in the economy for as long as possible.

Celebrating the ‘Return for Children’ initiative

Re-turn is celebrating the success of its “Return for Children” initiative which directly supports six national children’s charities.

Almost 900,000 drinks containers were returned at participating events throughout the summer which resulted in €70,000 raised for the charity initiative. Events included Bord Bia Bloom Festival, Taste of Dublin and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at the Aviva Stadium.

CEO of Re-turn, Ciaran Foley, said: “We’re delighted that our summer event initiatives have been such a success. Not only did it help reduce litter at these venues and contribute to the 600 million drinks containers returned to date, but it also provided much needed funds for Return for Children, our charity fundraising initiative.

As the initiative continues to grow, we’re excited to introduce new partnerships with Aviva Stadium, Croke Park and others. Re-turn will continue to provide the facilities for visitors to donate their plastic bottles and cans towards Return for Children, while contributing to a circular economy to protect our environment.”

Speaking on behalf of the six charities, Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble, commented: “This summer saw six national children’s charities unite for the first time under the Return for Children initiative, in partnership with Re-turn, to raise vital funds for vulnerable and critically seriously ill children across Ireland.

“By simply returning containers at festivals and events, the public has played an essential role in supporting us, and we’re encouraged by the collection results so far. We’re deeply grateful for this opportunity to engage with the public in a way that not only helps protect the environment but also benefits so many deserving children. Our hope is that Return for Children will become synonymous with charitable giving through the Deposit Return Scheme.”