Over 500 million drinks containers have now been returned since the deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans launched in February.
Re-turn, which operates the scheme, said there are now over 2,500 active reverse vending machines across the country, up from 1,800 at the launch of the scheme.
It noted that September 8 was the busiest day for returns with 4.32 million containers brought back in one day.
As a circular economy initiative, the deposit return scheme aims to move away from the "take, make and dispose" culture to one of returning valuable materials and keeping them in the economy for as long as possible.
Through the scheme, aluminium cans can be recycled infinitely while PET plastic bottles can be recycled multiple times, reducing the need for virgin materials.
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said the 500 million milestone indicates how far the scheme has come in terms of participation from the public.
"It is performing beyond our expectations, and it has been particularly gratifying to see how it has taken off at a grass-roots level among community and charity organisations utilising the scheme for fundraising," he said.
"We look forward to seeing the further positive effects the scheme will have over the coming months in terms of litter prevention, community initiatives and how it will contribute to a more sustainable Ireland," he added.
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, with special responsibility for Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said the the scheme has really made itself at home in Ireland.
"Already, it seems like we have been doing this forever. Families and communities have recognised that small changes can make a big difference. Our towns, villages and roadsides are much cleaner. Clubs and charities are benefitting too from new ways to fundraise," he said.
"To reach our EU collection and recycling targets, we need to build on this great start but I'm confident that we can get there by working together," he added.
