Sensoneo, IT solution provider for Ireland’s DRS introduced last year for single-use beverage packaging, has reported that over 1 billion containers have been collected via the scheme.
Following challenges with DRS (Deposit Return Scheme) implementation in Scotland, the company claims the effective operation of the Irish system in its first year serves as a role model for future DRS schemes in other countries in the region, such as England and Wales.
The DRS scheme in Ireland includes PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans ranging from 150ml to 3 litres. A deposit of 15 cents applies to containers between 150ml and 500ml, while a deposit of 25 cents applies to containers over 500ml up to 3 litres.
As of 8th April 2025, Sensoneo reports that Ireland’s DRS has 3,200 active collection points, with 2,600 utilizing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and 600 using manual collection, 9,886 registered products and 1,2 billion containers collected through RVMs. Sensoneo’s end-to-end software for the DRS gathers data from all sources and is said to enable seamless integration between all stakeholders within the process chain. The software is built on a cloud-based infrastructure and is apparently compatible with any RVM.
The Irish DRS aims to bring recycling closer to people through expanding to new collection points including airports, hospitals, prisons, public events and government offices. DRS operator Re-turn launched the Return for Children initiative last June to support national children’s charities Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack and Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland, with donations received at public events. The initiative is said to have raised €90,000 to date.
After the introduction of the Irish DRS in 2024, research from Every Can Counts suggested that nearly a third (29%) of consumers in the Republic of Ireland were unsure how to use the scheme, yet nearly seven in ten (69%) believed it would encourage them to recycle more. Reportedly, 75% agreed that they would be more likely to use the deposit return scheme if they understood the environmental benefits of recycling, with 17% believing that there were too many steps to follow.
A few months later, DRS operator Re-turn revealed that over two million drinks containers had been returned in the first month, with 2193 reverse vending machines available to consumers at the time. It is hoped the scheme will improve separate collection and recycling rates for single-use drinks containers across the country, with the EU setting a target to separate and collect 77% of plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans by 2025.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in 2024
How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?
Sustainable Innovation Report 2024: Current trends and future priorities
Everything you need to know about global plastic sustainability regulation
No comments yet