A pilot programme on three offshore islands will see the Deposit Return Scheme rolled out on Árainn Mhór in Co Donegal, Oileán Chléire in Co Cork and Inishturk, Co Mayo.
The pilot will see the installation of reverse vending machines on Árainn Mhór and Oileán Chléire as well as communal Re-turn collection bins on Inishturk.
The pilot programme will monitor return rates and community feedback to inform a future rollout to other islands and remote communities.
The initial three islands were selected for the pilot programme based on geographic spread and variations in population and following engagement with local communities.
The administrator of Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme, Re-turn, has acknowledged that Island communities face unique challenges in managing waste.
Re-turn Chief Operations Officer Ciaran Hope said the pilot will allow the company to test and refine collection logistics to inform wider rollouts.
"We’re proud to work hand in hand with island communities and stakeholders to make recycling simple, accessible, and impactful for all."
Re-turn was established by beverage producers and retailers to fulfil their obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024.
Since the deposit return scheme began almost two years ago, consumers across Ireland have returned more than 2.1 billion plastic bottles and cans.
Re-turn says the scheme has helped to raise the national recycling rate for drinks containers placed on the market from 49% to 91%, with 76% of these containers collected through the scheme.
There are more than 2,660 Reverse Vending Machines and over 600 manual return points nationwide.
Minister of State for Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy Alan Dillon said it is essential that island communities benefit from national efforts to reduce waste.
"This marks a positive step forward in enhancing Ireland’s circular economy and ensuring that everyone can contribute to it," Minister Dillon said.
