Re-turn’s Bin Surrounds to Boost On-The-Go Recycling in Dublin City Centre

 Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is expanding its successful bin surrounds initiative nationally.

As part of the next stage of expansion, an additional 50 new bin surrounds have been installed in Dublin City Centre, across Smithfield Plaza, the Quays, and Temple Bar.

This expansion builds on the successful rollout of 80 bin surrounds in Dublin City Centre, and an additional 24 in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

This initiative aims to make on-the-go recycling visible and accessible while reducing litter and preserving valuable recyclable materials.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said: “It’s inspiring to see Dublin leading the way with the rollout of Re-turn’s bin surrounds on Big Belly bins across the city centre. This simple yet effective initiative is already making a noticeable impact — providing people with a convenient and visible way to recycle bottles and cans while on the go. The strong public support reflects a real appetite for on-the-move recycling, and it’s clear that communities are ready to embrace it. This is a significant step towards cleaner streets, a greener city, and a more robust circular economy that benefits everyone.”

Barry Woods, Head of Waste Management, Dublin City Council said: “Dublin City Council is pleased to partner with Re-turn on this significant recycling initiative. This project supports on-the-go recycling and will provide the public with accessible and visible recycling options. Dublin City Council is committed to advancing the circular economy and supporting Ireland’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. I am confident that this partnership with Re-turn will have an impact and create an opportunity for change”.

Re-turn’s bin surrounds provide a visible, accessible, and practical way for the public to recycle on the go, reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution while supporting Ireland’s strategy for a circular economy. Over 1.7 billion plastic bottles and cans have been recycled through the Deposit Return Scheme since it was introduced in February 2024, a testament to the commitment of the Irish people to sustainability.

Commenting on the launch, Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said: “Re-turn is delighted to collaborate with Dublin City Council on this important on-the-go recycling initiative. 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.”

Launched in October 2024 in partnership with Dublin City Council, the bin surrounds programme saw 80 bin surrounds launched across Dublin City Centre initially, and has experienced a high level of public engagement and support.

Research from Re-turn found that containers left on the bin surrounds were collected on average within 16 minutes. A survey carried out by Re-turn reveals that 79% of the public support on-the-go recycling schemes and would welcome a similar scheme in their local area.