Ireland marks a year of DRS with 1.2b returns

With England and Wales set to introduce a DRS in the near future, the country hopes to serve as a role model for its neighbours.

Ireland’s DRS includes PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans ranging from 150ml to three litres.

A deposit of 15 cents is applied to all containers between 150ml and 500ml, and a deposit of 25 cents is applied to containers over 500ml and up to three litres.

As of 8 April 2025, Ireland has 3,200 active collection points – 2,600 of which are Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs)

Re-turn runs the operations of the scheme while Sensoneo is its IT system provider.

Martin Basila, CEO of Sensoneo, said: “The successful implementation and operation of DRS in Ireland, along with its positive reception by the public and consumers, demonstrate that a deposit system can work effectively and is the best way to achieve a high collection rate for single-use packaging.”

Sensoneo’s cloud-based system gathers data from all sources and is compatible with any RVM.

Alan Pearson, chief information officer at Re-turn, added: “Technology plays a central role in the success of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, and Sensoneo has been an outstanding partner in delivering the robust IT infrastructure behind it.

“Their platform allows us to manage the system with accuracy, efficiency, and transparency across every stage, from collection to reporting, giving us the confidence to scale quickly and deliver meaningful results. Together, we’re building a reliable foundation that supports Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and a cleaner, greener future.”

In June 2024, the scheme launched charity “Return for Children” at public which encourages people to donate their deposits to charity.

So far €90,000 has been raised for six national children’s charities: Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack and Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and Make-A-Wish Ireland.

The Irish DRS is looking to expand to new collection points at locations such as airports, hospitals, prisons, stadiums, public events and government offices.