Your Guide to Ireland's New Reverse Vending Machines

If you've been shopping in Ireland lately, you might have noticed something exciting popping up in supermarkets: reverse vending machines! These clever contraptions are the heart of the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), designed to encourage us all to recycle more and waste less. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how you can join in.

How Does It Work?

When you buy a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can, you'll pay a small deposit—think of it as a recycling incentive. Once you’ve finished your drink, instead of putting the container in the bin, you bring it back to one of these machines. Pop it in, and voila—you’ll get your deposit back in cash or as a voucher to spend in-store.

This system is a win-win: it reduces litter, increases recycling rates, and helps protect our beautiful Irish landscape.

What Can You Put in Them?

To get the most out of these machines, it's important to know what they’ll accept. Here’s the lowdown:

Accepted Items:

• Plastic bottles: Must be empty, clean, and have the Re-Turn label intact so the machine can scan the barcode.

• Aluminum cans: Again, empty and clean.

• 💡 Only drinks in PET plastic bottles, aluminum, and steel cans from 150ml to 3 litres are included in the scheme. Look for the Re-turn logo on drink containers to know they’re part of the program.

Not Accepted:

• Glass bottles (these are typically recycled through bottle banks).

• Tetra packs (like juice or milk cartons).

• Containers without barcodes or those that are heavily damaged.

• General waste or other types of packaging.

Why Use Reverse Vending Machines?

We know it’s easy to overlook small actions, but here’s why these machines matter:

1. Cleaner Environment: Less litter means a cleaner Connemara and beyond!

2. Conserving Resources: Recycling helps reduce the need for new materials, cutting down on energy use and emissions.

3. Encouraging Awareness: Every time you return a container, you’re reinforcing the habit of sustainable thinking—and inspiring others to do the same.

Pro Tips for Recycling Success

• Crush with care: If space is tight, you can crush cans and bottles, but don’t squish them beyond recognition or remove barcodes.

• Keep it clean: Rinse containers to avoid odours and make the process smoother.

• Plan your trip: Keep a dedicated bag at home for returnable containers, so you’re ready to recycle on your next shop.

Sustainability Starts with Small Steps

Next time you’re in the supermarket, give these machines a try. You’ll be recycling, saving money, and helping Ireland become a leader in sustainability. Let’s bottle up good habits for the future. Learn more at Return.ie.