Saturday, 18 October 2025
Ennis Launches 12 New Re-turn Bin Surrounds to Boost On-the-Go Recycling The town of Ennis, the capital of County Clare, has taken a significant step forward in sustainable waste management with the installation of 12 new Re-turn bin surrounds in the town centre. This initiative is part of the national Deposit Return Scheme administered by […]
The town of Ennis, the capital of County Clare, has taken a significant step forward in sustainable waste management with the installation of 12 new Re-turn bin surrounds in the town centre. This initiative is part of the national Deposit Return Scheme administered by Re-turn, which continues to expand across Ireland.
Bin surrounds are simple but effective attachments added to the front of public litter bins—often on solar-powered Big Belly Bins, which allow people to place empty drink containers like plastic bottles and aluminium cans in a clearly visible, accessible location. These containers can then be picked up by others and returned for a refund through the Deposit Return Scheme, reducing litter while encouraging recycling and reuse.
Rather than requiring users to sort recyclables on the spot, the surrounds act as designated collection points that make the recycling process more intuitive and socially accepted, especially in high-footfall public areas.
The bin surrounds are designed to make on-the-go recycling more accessible and visible, aiming to reduce litter and promote the circular economy. By encouraging proper recycling habits in public spaces, the project supports both local environmental goals and broader sustainability efforts.
“This collaboration between Clare County Council and Re-turn is another step forward in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Councillor Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. “Our goal is to support the local community and businesses as we work together to foster a cleaner, more sustainable county town while advancing our commitment to lowering our carbon footprint and embracing the circular economy.”
The success of the bin surrounds is rooted in behavioural science. The initiative reduces the “friction” associated with recycling while out and about, meaning it removes the small barriers (confusion, lack of bins, unclear signage) that often discourage people from doing the right thing.
By using clear visual cues and providing an obvious, convenient place to leave returnable containers, the surrounds encourage spontaneous recycling. This concept, based on nudge theory, has proven remarkably effective. During the Dublin pilot, bottles were collected within 16 minutes on average, indicating active community engagement.
The rollout in Ennis follows successful implementations in cities and towns including Dublin, Galway, Carlow, and Navan. Re-turn has reported strong public support for the initiative.
“From Dublin and Galway to Carlow, Navan and now Ennis, the public response has been extremely positive,” said Ciaran Hope, Chief Operating Officer of Re-turn. “This programme is playing a vital role in supporting cleaner streets, building stronger recycling habits, and creating a more sustainable future for Ireland.”
Research conducted by Re-turn found that containers left on the bin surrounds were typically collected within 16 minutes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the design in encouraging quick collection and recycling. Additionally, 79% of the public support on-the-go recycling schemes and would welcome similar efforts in their local areas.
The next stage of the bin surrounds programme will include rollouts in Cavan, Westmeath, and at the Southeast Technological University (SETU).
This phase of the initiative is co-funded equally by Re-turn and the participating local authorities. The overall aim is to deliver practical solutions that:
Support cleaner public spaces,
Build stronger recycling habits,
Reduce landfill waste, and
Lower environmental pollution.
As Ireland continues to adopt sustainable practices in line with the circular economy, Ennis’s involvement marks another milestone in the national effort to reduce waste and improve public recycling infrastructure.
The installation of 12 new Re-turn bin surrounds in Ennis represents a meaningful step toward creating a cleaner, more environmentally conscious town. By making recycling more accessible in public spaces, the initiative not only supports local sustainability goals but also contributes to Ireland’s broader efforts to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and promote a circular economy.
Backed by strong public support and measurable results, this collaboration between Clare County Council and Re-turn demonstrates how practical, community-driven solutions can lead to lasting environmental impact. As the programme expands to other regions, Ennis stands as a strong example of how towns can lead the way in building a more sustainable future.
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