What Re-turn does

Re-turn is the sole licensed operator of Ireland's national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), established under Ireland's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and licensed by the Minister for the Environment. Founded in 2022 and operationally launched on 1 February 2024, the company is structured as an industry-led, not-for-profit entity headquartered at Liffey Valley Office Campus, Dublin 22, and serves four primary stakeholder groups: Irish consumers redeeming deposits, retailers obligated to accept returns, producers and distributors of in-scope beverages (PET bottles and aluminium/steel cans between 150ml and 3L), and community groups using the scheme for fundraising.

The core technical infrastructure consists of a nationwide network of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) — including TOMRA R1 bulk-feed machines introduced in late 2024 — supplemented by manual over-the-counter returns at over 2,422 retail locations. RVMs scan product barcodes to verify scheme registration, compact containers, and issue deposit vouchers (€0.15 for containers ≤500ml, €0.25 for 500ml–3L). Supporting platform components include a member portal for stakeholder management, a barcode checker, a return-point locator, bin surrounds for on-the-go public collection, and the 'Return for Children' charity integration with six national children's charities.

Re-turn's revenue model is built on three streams paid by producers: per-unit Producer Fees under EPR, sale of collected recyclate (PET and aluminium/steel), and unredeemed deposits from containers that are never returned. Retailers receive a Handling Fee per container that ensures cost-neutral participation. As of early 2026 the scheme has processed more than 2.5 billion containers, lifting Ireland's in-scope recycling rate from 49% to over 90% and reducing bottle and can litter by 55% (per the ILAB Annual Report). All operational surplus is reinvested into the scheme and circular-economy projects rather than distributed.

Name

Re-turn

Legal name

Re-turn

Website

https://re-turn.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Re-turn operates Ireland's national Deposit Return Scheme under a government licence, using Reverse Vending Machines and manual returns to process PET bottles and cans. It serves Irish consumers, retailers, beverage producers, and 5,000+ community fundraising groups as a not-for-profit EPR entity.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recycling and Waste Management Services

NAICS

Materials Recovery Facilities (56292)

akta.pro primary industry

Reusable Packaging & Refill Systems (Returnable Transport Items, Deposit/DRS Ops) (EUAIANAE)

Keywords

• Deposit return scheme
• Beverage container recycling
• Reverse vending machines
• Extended producer responsibility
• Circular economy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Producer Fees (Extended Producer Responsibility): Drinks producers pay a Producer Fee on each unit placed on the Irish market, calculated based on the net cost principle. The rate varies by material (PET plastic vs. aluminium/steel) but is consistent regardless of container size. This forms the backbone of the financial model providing structured, predictable funding.
2. Sale of Recyclate Materials: Collected PET bottles and aluminium/steel cans are sorted, compacted, and sold to approved recyclers. The high-quality PET generated is creating conditions for domestic recycling infrastructure. Ballygowan/Britvic Ireland successfully manufactured Ireland's first 'circular bottle' using 100% Irish DRS-sourced recycled PET in a trial at Newcastle.
3. Unredeemed Deposits: Deposits paid by consumers on purchase of in-scope beverages that are never redeemed (consumer does not return the container). This is an expected feature of deposit return schemes, particularly in early stages as consumer return habits develop. The amount is variable, influenced by redemption rates.
4. Retailer Handling Fee (cost-neutral): Retailers receive a Handling Fee for all containers they take back, which ensures the scheme is cost-neutral for them. The fee covers operational costs of accepting and sorting containers. Handling fees are the same for plastic bottles and cans but vary by collection method (manual vs. RVM).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Re-turn operates Ireland's national Deposit Return Scheme, a regulated Extended Producer Responsibility programme that accepts empty PET plastic bottles and aluminum/steel cans (150ml-3L) at over 2,400 return points via automated Reverse Vending Machines and manual over-the-counter returns. Consumers pay a €0.15 (≤500ml) or €0.25 (>500ml-3L) deposit at purchase and receive a refund when they return the empty, undamaged container with a visible barcode, or can donate the refund to charity via the 'Return for Children' initiative.

Product overview

Re-turn operates Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme as a unified platform combining Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and manual return collection systems. The core infrastructure consists of automated RVMs at retail locations nationwide, supplemented by over-the-counter manual returns. Supporting products include consumer-facing tools (Barcode Checker, Return Point Locator), community programmes (Return for Children charity initiative, Community Fundraising with free bins), and a member portal for stakeholder management. The scheme covers PET plastic bottles and aluminum/steel cans (150ml-3L) with deposits of €0.15 (≤500ml) and €0.25 (>500ml).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) Automated machines installed at participating retailers across Ireland that accept empty PET bottles and aluminum/steel cans, scan barcodes to verify scheme registration, compact containers, and issue deposit vouchers redeemable at the till.
• Manual Return Collection Over-the-counter service where retail staff verify that returned containers carry the Re-turn logo, are empty and undamaged, and have a visible barcode, then provide deposit refunds directly to consumers. Re-turn reimburses retailers for validated manual returns.
• Return for Children Charity donation programme where consumers and corporate partners can donate deposit refunds from returned containers to six national children's charities (Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill, LauraLynn Children's Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland).
• Community Fundraising Initiative Programme enabling schools, clubs, tidy towns groups, and community organisations to register as collection schemes and raise funds by returning containers through local retailers. Re-turn provides free 360-litre bins and reusable bags.
• Barcode Checker Online tool that allows consumers and retailers to verify whether a specific product barcode is registered with the Re-turn scheme and therefore eligible for deposit return.
• Return Point Locator Interactive map on the Re-turn website displaying the nationwide network of approximately 2,422 retail return points, searchable by county or Eircode.
• Re-turn Member Portal Web-based registration and management portal used by retailers, producers, distributors, and return point operators to manage their DRS obligations, registrations, product listings, and transactions.
• Bin Surrounds Dedicated on-street bin surrounds installed in towns and city centres that allow separate on-the-go collection of cans and bottles for others to return for deposit.
• TOMRA R1 Bulk-Feed Reverse Vending Machine Multi-feed reverse vending machine that allows users to empty an entire bag of drink containers in a single operation, increasing throughput at high-volume return locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• National recycling rate for in-scope containers increased from 49% to over 90%, with ~76% captured directly through DRS and 15% via mixed dry recycling
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and supporting.

• Barnardos IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarnardos Ireland is one of six national children's charities benefiting from the 'Return for Children' initiative operated by Re-turn. The charity receives a share of deposit donations made by consumers choosing to donate their refunds at RVMs or at events. Together the six charities support over 165,000 vulnerable and seriously ill children across Ireland.
• BarretstowncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarretstown is one of six national children's charities benefiting from the 'Return for Children' initiative. The charity receives a share of deposit donations from consumers and corporate partners. Founded by Paul Newman, Barretstown provides therapeutic recreation programmes for children with serious illnesses.
• Childline by ISPCCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildline by ISPCC is one of six national children's charities benefiting from the 'Return for Children' initiative. The ISPCC is Ireland's leading child protection charity, operating the 24-hour Childline listening service. Donations from Re-turn support this service.
• Jack & Jill Children's FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJack & Jill is one of six national children's charities benefiting from the 'Return for Children' initiative. The foundation provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children with complex medical needs. Donations from Re-turn support their community-based services.
• LauraLynn Children's HospicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLauraLynn is one of six national children's charities benefiting from the 'Return for Children' initiative. Ireland's only hospice dedicated to children with life-limiting conditions, providing palliative care services. Donations from Re-turn support their hospice and community care programmes.
• Make-A-Wish IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMake-A-Wish Ireland is one of six national children's charities benefiting from the 'Return for Children' initiative. The charity grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Donations from Re-turn support wish-granting activities across Ireland.
• Bord BiaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRe-turn and Bord Bia have a recurring partnership for major events including Bord Bia Bloom (Ireland's premier gardening and food festival). At Bord Bia Bloom 2026, over 40,000 cans and bottles were donated through the Return for Children initiative - more than triple the previous year's figure. The partnership enables festival-goers to donate containers for children's charity fundraising.
• TOMRAcoreTechnology or IntegrationTOMRA is the global leader in reverse vending technology. Their R1 bulk-feed machine, introduced at Kelly's Spar Newcastle, is the first multi-feed reverse vending solution in Ireland, allowing consumers to empty an entire bag of containers in one operation. TOMRA provides the core RVM technology powering the scheme.
• Dublin City CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDublin City Council partnered with Re-turn to pilot the bin surrounds programme in Dublin city centre in October 2024, with 80 dedicated bin surrounds installed. This public-private partnership enables on-the-go recycling in urban areas and allows people to donate bottles and cans for others to return.
• Aviva Stadium and Levy IrelandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviva Stadium and Levy Ireland announced support for the 'Return for Children' initiative at the Aer Lingus Football Classic match (August 2024). The partnership enabled stadium visitors to donate containers for children's charity fundraising during the match event.
• Ballygowan (Britvic Ireland)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBallygowan, Britvic Ireland's natural mineral water brand, successfully manufactured Ireland's first 'circular bottle' in a trial at its Newcastle facility (May 2026). The bottle was made using 100% Irish DRS-sourced recycled PET, marking a significant milestone for Ireland's circular economy and demonstrating the quality of recyclate generated by the scheme.
• iDonatesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partners and community fundraisers can donate their deposit voucher cash proceeds through the iDonate platform (idonate.ie/fundraiser/ReturnforChildren24). iDonate provides the fundraising infrastructure for converting RVM receipts into charitable donations.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TOMRA ASA: TOMRA is the global leader in reverse vending machine technology and a core technology partner to Re-turn (TOMRA R1 bulk-feed machines power Re-turn's network). Through TOMRA Collection, it also operates and supplies DRS infrastructure internationally, making it both a vendor and the most directly comparable DRS technology peer.
• Returpack AB (Pantamera): Returpack operates Sweden's national Deposit Return Scheme (Pantamera) for PET bottles and aluminium cans - the most established DRS in Europe. Closely comparable to Re-turn as a national non-profit/cross-industry DRS operator covering the same material types.
• Infinitum AS: Infinitum operates Norway's national Deposit Return Scheme for beverage containers. Highly comparable as a national DRS operator with similar producer-fee, recyclate-sale, and unredeemed-deposit revenue model applied to the same PET/aluminium container categories.
• Verpact: Verpact (formerly Statiegeld Nederland) operates the Netherlands' DRS for large plastic bottles and is preparing to extend to cans. Direct DRS peer operating in an adjacent European market under similar EU Single-Use Plastics Directive compliance framework.
• ReTurn (Lithuania): ReTurn operates Lithuania's national DRS for PET bottles and (planned) cans, with the same name as Re-turn Ireland. Direct DRS peer running a comparable per-unit deposit model under EU regulatory framework.
• Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH: Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH operates Germany's DRS (Einweg / DPG) for one-way beverage containers - one of the largest DRS by volume globally. Directly comparable to Re-turn as a national DRS operator with similar per-unit deposit structure (€0.25 single-use) covering PET and metal.
• Ecoembes: Ecoembes operates Spain's integrated packaging recycling compliance system (SCRAP), including a growing DRS component for plastic bottles. Comparable as an EPR-driven national packaging recovery operator in a larger EU market.

Emerging players

• Deposit Return Solutions (DRS): DRS (Deposit Return Solutions) is the scheme administrator appointed for Scotland's DRS launching in a similar timeframe to other UK/Ireland schemes. Comparable as a DRS operating entity with similar stakeholder model, though still scaling up.

Broad incumbents

• Suez Recycling and Recovery: Suez is a major global waste management and recycling services company. Comparable in the broader recyclate recovery and materials handling space, though it operates a different (collection/integrated waste management) model rather than a pure DRS.
• Veolia Environment: Veolia is a global environmental services and waste management major. Comparable to Re-turn in the broader recyclate/materials recovery value chain, though it is a broad incumbent operating integrated waste services rather than a dedicated DRS.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Re-turn