Re-turn, which operates the Deposit Return Scheme, said that a total of one billion drinks containers have now been returned by the Irish public since it was launched a year ago.
The number of bottles and cans now returned would be enough to circle the globe 4.7 times, Re-turn said.
The 1 billionth drinks container was returned to Lidl in Kilcarbery in Dublin on Tuesday February 4.
Since the scheme was launched last year, daily return numbers have grown from thousands to now over five million a day on several occasions.
Through the Deposit Return Scheme, aluminium cans can be recycled infinitely while PET plastic bottles can be recycled multiple times, reducing the need for the use of virgin materials.
By returning drinks containers, Re-turn said that consumers are contributing to a sustainable future and guaranteeing that materials are recycled into new drinks containers.
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said it is a fantastic achievement to have 1 billion drinks containers returned, and it is great to see the growing support which is evident through the daily number of bottles and cans being returned. T
“he impact of the scheme in the community is also something to be celebrated with more than 2,200 community initiatives nationwide fundraising through the DRS. This all possible thanks to the public, who continue to come together for the good of the planet and each other,” he added.
Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy, said that the DRS is already making a real difference – recycling rates are improving, litter is reducing, the environment is cleaner and community groups, schools, charities and sports clubs are benefitting greatly from the refunds.
“This is a fantastic achievement for Re-turn and its members, the producers and retailers, who have worked so hard to make DRS a success. DRS is a great example of what’s possible when we all work together,” Mr Dillon added.
Robert Kiernan, Director of the Irish Beverage Council described the first year of the Deposit Return Scheme as a remarkable success.
“In just twelve months, we can clearly see the benefit of the Scheme, with a billion containers returned, and a substantial reduction in beverage container litter,” he said.
“This is testament to the considerable efforts undertaken by the beverage industry and Re-turn in implementing an effective DRS for Ireland.
“We continue to partner with Re-turn to maximise the potential of the Scheme,” he added.
