Distributor

The scheme is funded and operated by industry under the EPR model. Re-turn relies on three sources of income: producer fees, the sale of recyclate, and unredeemed deposits. Producer fees and the sale of high-quality recyclable materials form the backbone of the financial model, providing structured, predictable funding. Unredeemed deposits provide an additional but variable source of income, influenced by consumer behaviour and redemption rates. Re-turn operates strictly on a not-for-profit basis, which means any surplus is reinvested into running and improving the scheme, not distributed as profit.

Re-turn is an industry-led, not-for-profit company, licensed by the Minister for the Environment to operate Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme. It is established under Ireland’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, which means that beverage producers and retailers are responsible for funding and running the scheme. Re-turn is not a public body and is not government funded. While independent in its operations, Re-turn is subject to regulatory oversight by the Department of the Environment.

Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme operates on a not-for-profit basis. It is funded by drinks producers under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model.

Any income in excess of operating costs is reinvested to support and improve the scheme.

This includes expanding the return network, rolling out bulk-feed reverse vending machines, investing in infrastructure and consumer education, and progressing Ireland’s first PET bottle-to-bottle recycling facility. Full details of income and reinvestment are set out in Re-turn’s Annual Report.

Ireland currently does not have domestic facilities to recycle aluminium cans and PET bottles into new, food-grade containers. For now, material collected through the scheme is processed at specialist facilities abroad.

The high-quality PET generated through the scheme is now creating the conditions needed to support domestic recycling infrastructure. Re-turn is progressing plans for Ireland’s first bottle-to-bottle recycling facility, which will allow returned bottles to be recycled into new bottles on the island in the future.

Return for Children’ is the new charity fundraising initiative supporting six national children’s charities – Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland, launched in conjunction with Re-turn – operators of Ireland’s Deposit Return.

Unredeemed deposits are an expected feature of deposit return schemes, particularly in the early stages as consumer return habits develop. Full details of income and reinvestment are set out in Re-turn’s Annual Report.

The Deposit Return Scheme has already transformed recycling in Ireland. Since its launch in February 2024, recycling rates for in-scope containers have risen dramatically – from 49% before the scheme began to over 90% today. With approximately 1.8 billion containers placed on the market each year, this represents hundreds of millions more bottles and cans being recycled.

Consumer habits have shifted rapidly. In a short space of time, the vast majority of Irish people have embraced the routine of returning bottles and cans, turning what was once seen as waste into valuable resources. This behavioural change reflects a broader cultural shift towards sustainability, shared responsibility, and community participation.

The scheme has delivered visible improvements in communities nationwide. Bottle and can litter has fallen by half across the country since launch, while coastal monitoring shows the cleanest shorelines in 25 years.

Thousands of schools, clubs, and charities have engaged with the scheme, using container returns as a fundraising tool. We are also raising money for children’s charities on an ongoing basis through “Return for Children,” alongside countless grassroots initiatives supporting schools, sports clubs, and local projects.

Since its launch in June 2024, the Return for Children charity initiative has continued to grow, with drinks containers donated at public events raising over €440,000 to date, including more than €300,000 during 2025 alone. The initiative supports six national children’s charities: Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack and Jill, Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland, which together support over 165,000 vulnerable and seriously ill children across Ireland.

When you return your empty plastic bottles or cans to a Re-turn Machines, the machine prints a deposit voucher. You can use this voucher at the same retail outlet to:

Most containers, seamlessly go through the Reverse Vending Machines. However, if the machine rejects your container, check that it’s empty, undamaged, and has a clearly visible barcode and Re-turn logo. Try rotating it and inserting it again. If it’s still rejected, ask a member of staff for assistance or contact us for investigation.

You can bring your empty bottle or can home and return it later at any Reverse Vending Machine. In selected locations, you can use dedicated Re-turn bin surrounds, which allow containers to be collected separately for recycling. Some retailers also offer a donate option at the machine, where you can choose to give your refund directly to a partnered charity instead of printing a voucher.

No need to clean them, just make sure your cans and bottles are fully empty before you bring them to the Re-turn Machine.

Retailers may opt for either manual return or for automatic collection, through Re-turn Machines. Retailers have the choice of whether they opt for a reverse vending machine or not. It is not compulsory for any retailer to have a reverse vending machine.

Once returned through a Re-turn Machine, containers are collected and taken to authorised counting and processing centre.

There, they are sorted by material (plastic, aluminium or steel), compacted, and prepared for recycling. The materials are then sent to approved recyclers, where they are processed and turned into new cans, bottles and other products, supporting Ireland’s circular economy and helping to keep valuable materials in use.

Currently, Ireland has a recycling rate of over 80% for glass and is surpassing recycling targets for this material. As a result, there are no plans to include glass in the Scheme but this may be open to change in the future.

You can Re-turn any can or bottle with the Re-turn logo on it. If you’re not sure, you can check the barcode by typing it in the Barcode Checker here.

If you don’t need your deposit back, you can donate it to your local community or a cause that matters to you. So far, you’ve donated hundreds of thousands of euros to Re-turn for Children and set up over 5,000 community collection schemes

We can provide Re-turn bins and bags, which charities, clubs, schools, businesses, and tidy towns use for fundraising. Through community initiatives, we aim to build a sense of community while engaging in sustainable activities and safeguarding our natural environment. Whether by offering resources such as digital assets or providing hands-on support, Re-turn is here to assist community initiatives in your area.

The 360-litre bin is free of charge, lockable, and features a rosette opening on the lid which has been designed to facilitate insertion of bottles/cans and to minimise heavy contamination. Heavy-duty, reusable bags are provided to line the bin, along with keys, at the time of delivery.

Please note: Re-turn does not collect loose materials. Cans and bottles must be processed through a reverse vending machine to ensure they are compacted, uncontaminated, and suitable for recycling. As a ‘Return to Retail’ initiative, containers should be returned to a store where deposit vouchers can be exchanged for cash.

You can exchange the value for cash when you get your deposit voucher from the Re-turn Machine.

We recommend partnering with a local retailer. You can arrange a convenient time with the retailer for you to process bottles and cans through the machine. This is usually done before opening or after closing, ensuring exclusive access. Some retailers may also provide a staff member to assist, but this can be agreed upon directly. We have asked retailers to ensure bins are emptied before your arrival.

All charities can use the Deposit Return Scheme for fundraising. Return for Children is Re-turn’s charity partner for selected events and festivals that Re-turn partners with.

Companies with a large workforce can purchase a Re-turn Machine and set the machine up so that all deposits are donated to charity instead. No voucher will be given to the user to redeem the deposit. For more information on RVMs please contact [email protected].

Companies that don’t wish to purchase an RVM can bring their empty containers to a local retailer with an RVM. The retailer will exchange the deposit voucher for cash, and this can be used to donate through platforms like iDonate. Bins, bags, and assets are also available for companies. See our Community Initiative Map here.

Companies can hand over their containers to fundraising initiatives that have already been set up locally to help support the fundraiser.

The map will display your Eircode and Email address only—no other contact details will be visible.​​ We require your consent before adding any initiative to the map. If you’re interested, simply reply YES or NO. You can request removal at any time.​ If you haven’t received your bin yet, don’t worry—we won’t add you until you do, but we still need your confirmation.​​ For reference, see our community map here. ​​

To ensure accurate and appropriate contact details, please provide a general email (not a personal one). If you requested a bin on behalf of a club, school, etc., kindly provide an email directly from them.​​ Please reply with your preferred contact email at your earliest convenience.

If you produce, manufacture , import and/or sell online in-scope beverages (PET bottles or Aluminium and steel cans 150ml-3L) – you play a key role in the Deposit Return Scheme and must register with Re-turn to meet your environmental and legal obligations.

Yes, Ireland’s DRS Legislation defines a ‘Producer’ as any person, irrespective of the selling technique used, who is first to place  in-scope products on the market in the Republic of Ireland.

Producers must register with the scheme prior to placing any of their products on the market in the Republic of Ireland. Following registration and the signing of the Membership Agreement, Producers must register all ‘in-scope’ products on the Re-turn website. The Scheme officially went live in February 2024.

The product should be submitted for discontinuation on the portal. Contact the Producer Team for guidance on how to do this at [email protected].

The registration of new products, as well as any changes to existing products or their specifications, must be submitted on the Re-turn portal for approval. Re-turn may request sample containers for review as part of this process.

No. All ‘in-scope’ products must display the Re-turn logo and comply with the technical and labelling requirements outlined in the Re-turn Technical Specification and Labelling Manual.

Contact us via email: [email protected]

Or give us a call on 01 461 8680

Yes. All Retailers that sell ‘in scope’ drinks – PET plastic bottles, aluminium/steel cans from 150ml to 3 litres – must register with Re-turn in order to fulfil their environmental and legislative responsibilities.

All ‘in-scope’ beverage containers must display the Re-turn logo and include an ROI specific or international barcode that is registered with the scheme. All producers are required to comply with the labelling guidelines outlined in Re-turn’s Technical Specifications and Labelling Manual.

Currently, Ireland achieves a recycling rate of over 80% for glass, exceeding the set targets for this material. As a result, glass is not included in the Scheme at this time; however, this may be subject to change in the future.

Yes. All Retailers that sell ‘in scope’ drinks – PET plastic bottles, aluminium/steel cans from 150ml to 3 litres – must register with Re-turn in order to fulfil their environmental and legislative responsibilities. Registration is open to all Retailers who sell ‘in-scope’ containers.

PET plastic bottles and aluminium or steel cans between 150ml and 3 litres are included in the Deposit Return Scheme. All eligible containers display the Re-turn logo making identification easy for consumers and retailers accepting manual returns.

When the Retailer purchases in-scope drinks from the Producer, they pay the cost of the drink plus a deposit fee on each unit. Retailers then sell the drink to the consumer and charge the cost of the drink plus the deposit fee. When the consumer finishes the beverage, they will return the empty,  undamaged drinks container to the Retailer and receive a full refund on their deposit fee. The Deposit Scheme Operator pays the retailer for all refunded deposit fees. Therefore, the deposit fee goes full circle and is cost neutral for all involved

The Retailer Handling Fee supports retailers in covering the operational costs of participating in the Deposit Return Scheme. See the full handling fee here Re-turn-Retailer-Handling-Fee.pdf

Yes. All registered Retailers are required to accept Re-turn drinks containers regardless of where they were purchased or where the deposit was paid. Retailers receive a Handling Fee for all containers they take back.

Retailers may opt for either manual return or for automatic collection, through Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Retailers have the choice of whether they opt for a reverse vending machine or not. It is not compulsory for any retailer to have a reverse vending machine.

All Retailers are paid a ‘Handling Fee’ which ensures that the Deposit Return Scheme is cost neutral for them. It covers the associated costs of accepting and sorting drinks containers in the retail environment. The handling fee is the same for plastic bottles and cans but varies according to whether containers are collected manually or through a reverse vending machine.

The Consumer has the choice to use their refunded Deposit Fee against a store bought purchase, receive in cash or put towards a charitable cause.

A Retailer has two options when offering a take-back service for the empty beverage containers returned by consumers:

Manual collection or

Automatic collection through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)

The volume of sales (and expected returns) of beverage containers is a key driver in determining whether a Retailer should rely on manual collection or opt for automatic collection via RVMs.

Consumers return the drinks container over the counter to the Retailer. The Retailer checks that the drinks container is empty, undamaged, features the Re-turn logo and that the barcode is clearly visible. The Consumer is then reimbursed the value of the Deposit. Re-turn reimburses the Retailer for all validated manual returns collected.

Manual collections are stored in a barcoded bag provided by Re-turn, stored on premise until the collection driver arrives and scans the bag.
RVMs must be emptied when full. The barcoded bag must be sealed and stored on premise until the collection driver arrives who will scan the bag.
All bags and tags for use in both methods are provided by Re-turn. Storage is at the discretion of the retailer.

Collections from stores with Reverse Vending Machines and manual collections will operate throughout the week except on Sunday. For some larger retail outlets, there may be up to three collections per week while retailers operating manual returns will have one collection per week. Collection frequencies will be adjusted to meet demand and difficult operational situations such as stores in city centre areas. The scheme aims to ensure an efficient collection system based on returns to each store.

When you are unsure if a product is registered, you can enter the barcode into our barcode checker to see find out the registration status.
Our barcode checker can be found here- https://re-turn.ie/consumer/#barcodeChecker

Any company that sells/supplies in-scope products by wholesale in ROI is considered a Distributor according to the Republic of Ireland’s Separate Collections(Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations-S.I. No. 33 of 2024.

You have a legal obligation to register with Re-turn as a Distributor if you sell/supply products registered under other Re-turn producers.

You must also ensure all in-scope products you distribute are registered with Re-turn and include a Re-turn logo.

For all in-scope products placed on the market in ROI, you must charge a deposit and the deposit must be itemised as a separate line item on any invoice, receipt, credit note, dispatch and delivery docket containing in-scope products.

For in-scope products up to and including container sizes of 500ml, the deposit amount is €0.15.

For in-scope products over 500ml and up to 3L, the deposit amount is €0.25.

No. If you import products from producers that are based outside of ROI and you are the first to place those products on the ROI market, you are considered the Producer of those imported products.

As an importer, you have a legal obligation to register as a Producer and all in-scope imported products to be supplied in ROI must be registered under your Producer registration. Your products must also comply with Re-turn brand guidelines, including a Re-turn logo. For more information on Producer and product requirements, please visit our Producer page.

No. If you import products from producers that are based outside of ROI and you are the first to place those products on the ROI market, you are considered the Producer of those imported products.

As an importer, you have a legal obligation to register as a Producer and all in-scope imported products to be supplied in ROI must be registered under your Producer registration. Your products must also comply with Re-turn brand guidelines, including a Re-turn logo. For more information on Producer and product requirements, please visit our Producer page.

No. Your Producer registration only covers the products you have registered under your own Producer registration. You cannot legally sell/supply any other in-scope products unless you are also registered as a Distributor and/or Retailer. If you supply products registered under other producers to your wholesale business customers, you must register as a Distributor. If you sell products registered under other producers to the final consumer, you must register as a Retailer.

No. If you only sell/supply your own imported products and you do not sell/supply any products registered under other registered Producers, you do not need to register as a Distributor. You are only required to register as a Producer. For more information on Producer and product requirements, please visit our Producer page.

No. Vending machine sales are considered retail sales because they are sales to the final consumer. Your Distributor registration only covers wholesale trade e.g. sales to other businesses customers. You must register as a Retailer in order to sell/supply to the final consumer in any capacity, including vending machine operations. Vending machines should be listed as individual premises under your Retailer registration. If you would like support registering your vending machines, please email us at [email protected]

No, Distributors do not need to apply for a takeback exemption as they do not have any takeback obligations under the regulations.

Products sold for in-flight/on-board consumption on airlines or ships departing the Republic of Ireland(ROI) are classed as exports, as they are not placed on the market in ROI. Export products do not need to be registered with Re-turn.

In this case, you should purchase international barcode Re-turn stock from the Producer as this is the only stock that should be sold in ROI and as export to NI or another jurisdiction. If you cannot determine what quantity of the stock will be sold as export at the time of your purchase, the Producer should charge deposits on 100% of the stock purchased. Once you’ve sold a quantity of this stock on as export outside of ROI with no deposit, you may request a refund for the deposits you were unable to recover as part of your export sale(s).

You should report this to us at [email protected]. Please include as much information as possible, for example: Where did you see non-Re-turn stock for sale? Which businesses were involved? What date did this occur? Our enforcement team will investigate accordingly.

Once you register, we can provide Re-turn bins and bags for your business premises to help you collect donations of cans and bottles on behalf of Return for Children.

There is no cost to your business. We will provide you with an Orange Bin free of charge. Heavy-duty, reusable bags are provided to line the bin at the time of delivery.

Re turn does not collect loose materials. All cans and bottles must be processed through a Re turn machine by the corporate partner to ensure they are compacted, clean and suitable for recycling.

For some Dublin-based partners who have high volumes, there may be a possibility of arranging a collection service. This isn’t guaranteed, but our team can explore it with you during registration to see if it’s a good fit for your company.

After you have deposited your cans and bottles at the Re-turn machine you will be issued with a receipt. You can exchange this receipt for cash instore which can then be donated to Return for Children via the iDonate page here.

The deposit from every can and bottle donated to Return for Children is divided between the 6 partner charities. These use these funds to support their work in providing vital services for children. As of April 2026, over €440,000 has been donated to Return for Children.