Wednesday, 03 September 2025
Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme is expanding its innovative bin surrounds initiative nationwide. Designed to boost on-the-go recycling, these units attach to public bins, making it easy to leave bottles and cans for collection. Following a successful pilot in Dublin, the programme now reaches Galway, Meath, Dún Laoghaire, and other regions.
Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme administrator, Re-turn, is expanding its successful bin surrounds initiative nationwide following a highly positive response to its pilot in Dublin City Centre. The innovative programme aims to make it easier for the public to recycle drink containers while on the move, helping reduce litter and support the circular economy.
Bin surrounds are specially designed holders attached to the front of existing public bins—often solar-powered Big Belly Bins—allowing people to conveniently leave empty drink containers, such as plastic bottles and aluminium cans, in a clean and visible way. These containers can then be picked up by others for return through the Deposit Return Scheme, promoting reuse and waste diversion from landfills.
One of the most powerful aspects of the bin surrounds initiative is how it leverages behavioural science to make recycling easier and more intuitive. By placing designated bottle-and-can holders on the outside of public bins—clearly visible, easy to access, and socially accepted—the program reduces what psychologists call “friction” in sustainable behaviours.
This aligns with broader trends in nudge theory, which suggest that small design tweaks in public infrastructure can significantly increase pro-environmental actions. The success of the pilot (with bottles collected in under 16 minutes on average) shows how well-designed cues can transform everyday habits.
While household recycling systems are relatively established, on-the-go recycling has long been a missing link in Ireland’s circular economy efforts. People are far more likely to throw away recyclable items when they’re outside the home and lack immediate access to sorting options.
Bin surrounds help close this gap by:
Providing a collection mechanism for containers even in high-footfall, mixed-use public areas,
Making it easier for informal collectors to return items without digging through waste,
Increasing the capture rate of high-value recyclables like PET bottles and aluminium cans.
This ensures a cleaner waste stream, which is essential for efficient and cost-effective recycling.
The bin surrounds pilot was launched in October 2024, in partnership with Dublin City Council. A total of 80 bin surrounds were installed across central Dublin, where they received strong public support and showed tangible results. According to Re-turn, bottles and cans placed on the units were collected within 16 minutes on average, demonstrating active community participation and the scheme’s viability.
Following the pilot’s success, the initiative is extending to other urban centres and high-footfall areas, including:
Dún Laoghaire Harbour (24 new surrounds are already installed)
Galway City
Meath
Carlow
Clare
Westmeath
Additional areas of Dublin City Centre
This expansion will be co-funded equally by Re-turn and participating local authorities.
The initiative has garnered widespread praise from both local authorities and residents. A Re-turn survey revealed that 79% of respondents support the concept of on-the-go recycling infrastructure and would like to see more of it in their communities.
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, highlighted the environmental benefits:
“[We are] committed to providing the public with convenient and visible recycling options, and the bin surrounds pilot scheme is successfully delivering on that promise. We are encouraging the public to utilise bin surrounds and assist with the recycling of plastic bottles and cans. Together we can support the circular economy and make a real difference in our communities and environment.”
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, commented on the environmental alignment:
“directly supports the implementation of our Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy and aligns with the Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024–2029.”
Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, noted:
“It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference. These units give people an easy way to return bottles and cans while out and about. Putting these units in such a busy, scenic spot helps encourage better habits and keeps the harbour looking its best.”
Since the Deposit Return Scheme was launched in February 2024, more than 1.6 billion plastic bottles and cans have been recycled through the system. The bin surrounds initiative is a natural extension of the programme, encouraging spontaneous recycling even when people are away from home.
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