Almost 980 million bottles and cans have been returned for recycling since the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) came into affect a year ago today.
An average of just under 2.7 million containers have been returned every day since the scheme was introduced on the 1 February 2024, according to figures published today.
It is estimated around 1.9 billion drinks bottles and cans are consumed each year in Ireland, or around five million containers a day.
There are now over 3,000 return points around the country and €90,000 has been raised for the 'Return for Children' initiative.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environment said "the monthly collection rate increased steadily from 2% in February to 73% in August, placing Ireland well on track to achieve its EU collection target of 77% by the end of 2025".
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien said: "Essential to the success of DRS has been the Irish beverage industry and retailers who, through Re-turn, have come together to build an entirely new recycling model.
"With over 3,000 return points nationwide, DRS ensures maximum coverage for urban and rural communities alike."
A total of €90,000 has been raised for the ‘Return for Children’ initiative.
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn said the DRS has "exceeded expectations".
He said "at current rates, we will recycle approximately 630 million more plastic bottles and cans over the next 12 months than we recycled prior to the introduction of the scheme".
Mr Foley said "beyond the environmental impact, over 2,000 clubs, schools, and organisations are now using deposit returns to fund vital causes".
The data published today covers the period from February until last August.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environment said "a more complete picture of the scheme’s performance emerges over a full-year cycle, running from June 2024 to June 2025", with full year data not available until mid-2025.
