Over 70% of adults believe Re-Turn Scheme has been a success
71% of Irish adults say the Re-Turn deposit scheme has been a success two years after launch, according to new iReach research
Print12 March 2026
A total of 71% of adults believe that the Re-Turn scheme has been a success since it was introduced in Ireland.
Two years after the Re-Turn Scheme was introduced in Ireland, iReach asked adults in Ireland their thoughts on the success and barriers of the Deposit Return Scheme.
One in four adults (25%) use the machines in shops or supermarkets much more than they did at the start, and 14% use them a bit more than they did at the start.
Machine usage
This is highest for adults aged 25-34, with 30% using the machines much more than they did at the start.
13% of adults have used the machines less or stopped using them. 25% of adults aged 18-24 have used them less or stopped using them.
Of those who have used the machines less or stopped altogether, 41% did so as the amount of money refunded does not make it worthwhile.
36% think that having to put items in one-by-one isn’t worth it, 33% think the locations of machines aren’t convenient, and 32% think the machines are faulty.
Two in three adults (66%) think the machines have had a positive impact on the environment, with 26% of these strongly agreeing.
This is the highest for adults aged 25-34, with 83% thinking they have a positive impact.
58% of adults think Irish towns and cities are now cleaner because people collect bottles or cans for the rewards, with 21% strongly agreeing.
48% of adults think the deposit return scheme was and is just another way for the government to make money off the Irish population, with 24% feeling this strongly.
Finally, 17%of adults say they have gone back to putting bottles or cans in the green bin due to the hassle of using the machines.
This is the highest for 33% of adults aged 18-24.
Read more: CSNA urges delay on licence applications
© 2026, ShelfLife by CSNA
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