The scheme is designed to boost recycling efforts by offering consumers a deposit refund when they return plastic bottles and aluminum cans to designated “reverse vending machines.” Ireland now has over 2,500 reverse vending machines and more than 350 manual collection points.

Re-turn, the operator of the scheme, announced the 500 million milestone was reached over the weekend, with 4.32 million containers returned in a single day.

Ossian Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, praised the initiative, saying it has quickly become part of daily life in Ireland.



“Already, it feels like this is something we’ve been doing forever. Families and communities are seeing how small actions can lead to big results. Our streets and roadsides are noticeably cleaner, and clubs and charities are finding new ways to raise funds.

“While we’ve made an excellent start, we need to keep this momentum to meet our EU recycling goals. I’m confident that by working together, we’ll achieve them. Congratulations to Re-turn, its members, and the Irish public for reaching this first milestone of half a billion returns.”