Turning Bottles Into Benefits: Community Fundraising With Re-turn
Since the launch of Ireland’s Deposit Return System (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans, communities across the country have embraced a new way to fundraise while supporting sustainability. The Re-turn Community Initiative empowers local groups to collect returns and raise money for charitable causes—turning everyday recycling into meaningful impact.
Who Can Get Involved?
The initiative is open to a wide range of organisations, including:
- Tidy Towns groups
- Schools and youth clubs
- Charities and non-profits
- Sports clubs and community organisations
- Hospitals and healthcare groups
- Local events and festivals
Note: These fundraising efforts must be for charitable purposes only—not for personal gain.
What Support Does Re-turn Provide?
Re-turn offers practical support to help communities get started:
- Free 320-litre bins with lockable lids and rosette openings to prevent contamination
- Reusable heavy-duty bags for lining bins
- Digital assets for online promotion
- Customisable posters for print, with space to add your logo or group name
While Re-turn does not organise collections, they offer helpful tips on their website to make the process easier.
There’s no deadline to join—organisations can start whenever they’re ready. Whether you’re planning a local clean-up, a school fundraiser, or a festival, the DRS offers a simple and effective way to raise funds while protecting the environment.
