Deposit Return Scheme launched on Arranmore Island as part of pilot programme

The Deposit Return Scheme was launched on Arranmore Island today. 

Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, has expanded access to its reverse vending machines (RVMs) and recycling infrastructure to three island communities in Ireland. 

The pilot will see the installation of RVMs on Arranmore Island as well as Cape Clear Island in County Cork and communal Re-turn collection bins on Inishturk, County Mayo, ensuring residents and visitors alike can easily return drinks containers for recycling.

Island communities face unique challenges in managing waste, including limited transport links and constrained local infrastructure. Providing convenient return points ensures these communities are not disadvantaged in participating in the Deposit Return Scheme and supports equal access to recycling services across Ireland.

Charles Ward TD, Ciaran Hope CEO Re-turn, Pat The Cope Gallagher TD, & Noirin Ui Mhaoldomhnaigh

The initiative marks an important milestone in Re-turn’s commitment to making recycling more accessible for all communities across Ireland. The initial three islands were selected for the pilot programme based on geographic spread and variations in population size and following engagement with local communities.

The Islands Pilot Programme will gather information and data, monitoring return rates, machine usage patterns and community feedback to inform wider rollouts of RVMs to island communities in the future.

“The launch of this pilot programme is a clear demonstration of Re-turn’s commitment to ensuring that Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme is accessible to everyone, no matter where they live,” Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy said. “Island communities are a vital part of Ireland’s social and environmental fabric, and it’s essential that they benefit fully from our national efforts to reduce waste and build a more circular economy. This marks a positive step forward in enhancing Ireland’s circular economy and ensuring that everyone can contribute to it.”

Ciaran Hope, COO of Re-turn, said: “Re-turn’s goal is to make it easier and more convenient for everyone in Ireland to participate in the Deposit Return Scheme. 

“Ensuring equal access to recycling infrastructure is essential so that no community is left behind in Ireland’s transition to a circular economy. Extending the scheme to island communities is an important step forward in achieving that vision. 

The Islands Pilot Programme will allow us to test and refine collection logistics, strengthen local engagement, and gather valuable insights to inform wider rollouts. We’re proud to work hand in hand with island communities and stakeholders to make recycling simple, accessible, and impactful for all.”

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In less than two years, consumers across Ireland have returned more than 2.1 billion plastic bottles and cans through the Deposit Return Scheme, helping to raise the national recycling rate for drinks containers placed on the market from *49% to 91%, with 76% of these containers collected through the scheme. The number of Deposit Return Points nationwide has increased by more than 1,300 in the last 12 months and now consists of over 2,660 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and over 600 manual return points around the country.

Re-turn continues to build on this momentum, investing in new infrastructure and working closely with communities, schools, retailers, and environmental groups to make participation in the scheme as easy and accessible as possible. 

These efforts are strengthening Ireland’s circular economy and ensuring that every community, from cities to remote islands, can play an active role in reducing waste and protecting the environment.