This week Highland Radio spoke to 

Did you know?

Ireland recycles around 60% of bottles and cans.

The new Re-Turn scheme hopes to improve this > https://vimeo.com/903304957 

You pay a deposit of 15c for cans and bottles from 150ml-500ml and 25c for 500ml-3L.

Return your drink container to a reverse vending machine or over the counter and get your deposit back in the form of a voucher for that shop.

Top Tips: HERE is all of the return points in Donegal.

 

This is the logo to look out for:

 

FAQs – Re-Turn.ie

Where can I return my bottle and cans? 

Consumers can return their empty undamaged plastic bottles and cans to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide either through a Reverse Vending Machine or manually, over the counter.

For consumers who have paid a deposit on a plastic bottle or can without the Re-turn logo, these containers must be returned through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in participating shops and supermarkets nationwide.  From 1 June, all drinks containers included in the Deposit Return Scheme will feature the Re-turn logo. 

To locate the nearest deposit return point, consumers 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

Do I have to return my drinks containers to the shop where bought?

No. Consumers can return their drinks containers to any participating retailer regardless of where the drinks container was originally purchased.

If returning to an RVM, you must insert all Re-turn drinks containers as instructed and you will then be issued with a voucher which may be redeemed at the till. It is important to note that vouchers issued from an RVM must be redeemed at the same retail outlet. Consumers will also have the choice to receive your refund against a store-bought purchase or in cash.

There is no maximum number of drinks bottles or cans that you can return in one visit.   

What do I do if the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is not in service?

When returning plastic bottles and cans, if a consumer finds a Reverse Vending Machine machine is not working or operating properly, please notify the retailer, so the issue can be resolved.

Does this work for self-checkout stations in shops?

Some retailers offer the option to redeem vouchers at self-checkout but please check with your local retailer on what options are available.

How do I use the voucher issued by the RVM?

Consumers must redeem their voucher in the same store as where plastic bottle and cans are returned through the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). This voucher can be redeemed in cash or against store purchase at the till. 

Why is Ireland launching a Deposit Return Scheme?  

The Deposit Return Scheme is a practical circular economy initiative that aims to create a closed loop recycling system guaranteeing that the material is returned and recycled. The EU has set Ireland a target to separate and collect 77% of plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans by 2025. This target will rise to 90% in 2029. We currently recycle approximately 60% of drinks containers and Deposit Return is a proven method of increasing recycling rates, with great success in several other European countries. 

Re-turn has created an FAQ page on the website for any questions which consumers may have, and they are strongly encouraged to reach out to [email protected] if they have any further queries.   

Learn more:

Re-Turn Guide > https://re-turn.ie/consumer/#flipbook-df_2964/3/