Does Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme Cover Glass?

The short answer: no. Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (Re-turn) covers plastic bottles and cans only. Glass bottles and jars are not included. Here's what you need to know.

Recycle Glass with GlassBag

Glass Is Not Part of the Deposit Return Scheme

You cannot return glass bottles for a deposit refund at Re-turn machines. Glass must be recycled separately — at a bottle bank, recycling centre, or through a doorstep collection service like GlassBag.

What Is the Deposit Return Scheme?

Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme, operated by Re-turn, launched on 1 February 2024. When you buy a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium/steel can, a deposit of 15 cent (up to 500ml) or 25 cent (over 500ml to 3 litres) is added to the price. You get the deposit back when you return the empty container to a reverse vending machine (RVM) or participating retailer.

What the DRS Covers

  • PET plastic bottles (water, soft drinks, juice) between 150ml and 3 litres
  • Aluminium and steel cans (beer, soft drinks, energy drinks) between 150ml and 3 litres
  • Containers must display the Re-turn logo and have a readable barcode

What the DRS Does NOT Cover

  • Glass bottles and jars — wine bottles, beer bottles, spirit bottles, food jars
  • Dairy containers — milk bottles, yoghurt drink bottles
  • Containers without the Re-turn logo

Why Is Glass Excluded from the DRS?

Ireland already recycles over 80% of its glass packaging, according to the EPA's most recent figures. This rate already exceeds both the EU's 2025 target of 70% and the 2030 target of 75%. Because Ireland's existing bottle bank network achieves such high glass recycling rates, there was no urgent need to include glass in the deposit scheme.

The bottle bank system — combined with doorstep collection services like GlassBag — is working well for glass. The DRS was designed to boost recycling rates for plastic bottles and cans, which had lower recycling rates before the scheme launched.

So How Do I Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars?

Since glass isn't part of the DRS and can't go in your household recycling bin, you have two main options:

  • Bottle banks — Free to use, located at supermarket car parks, parks and recycling centres across Ireland. You need to drive there and sort glass by colour (clear, green, brown).
  • GlassBag doorstep collection — We collect glass bottles and jars from your door on a monthly schedule. No driving, no sorting, no queuing. Plans from €8/month.

For more on what types of glass we accept, see our guide to recyclable glass.

Re-turn vs GlassBag: What Each Service Handles

Re-turn (Deposit Return Scheme)

  • PET plastic bottles (with Re-turn logo)
  • Aluminium & steel cans (with Re-turn logo)
  • Return at reverse vending machines
  • Get 15c or 25c deposit back per container
  • Does NOT accept glass

GlassBag (Doorstep Collection)

  • All glass bottles — wine, beer, spirits
  • All glass jars — food, sauce, jam, candle
  • Broken glass accepted
  • No colour sorting needed
  • Collected from your door monthly

The Convenient Way to Recycle Glass

Use Re-turn for your plastic bottles and cans. Use GlassBag for all your glass bottles and jars. Together, they cover everything — no bottle bank trips needed.

See GlassBag Plans

How GlassBag Works

1

Choose Your Plan

Annual (€8/mo), Monthly (€10/mo) or Once-Off (€15).

2

Fill Your Bag

Collect glass bottles and jars at home. Your reusable GlassBag is delivered on your first collection.

3

We Collect & Recycle

Put it out on collection day. We pick up, recycle and return your bag.

Plans & Pricing

Annual

€8 / month

Billed €96/year. Save 20%.

Monthly

€10 / month

Flexible. Cancel anytime.

Once-Off

€15 / collection

No subscription needed.

Choose Your Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Deposit Return Scheme include glass bottles?

No. Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (Re-turn) covers PET plastic bottles and aluminium/steel cans only. Glass bottles and jars are not included and cannot be returned for a deposit refund.

Why is glass not in the DRS in Ireland?

Ireland already recycles over 80% of its glass packaging, exceeding both the EU 2025 and 2030 targets. Because the existing bottle bank network achieves high glass recycling rates, there was no urgent need to include glass in the deposit scheme.

Can I return wine bottles under the DRS?

No. Wine bottles are glass and are not covered by the Deposit Return Scheme. You can recycle wine bottles at a bottle bank or through GlassBag's doorstep collection service.

How do I recycle glass bottles in Ireland?

Glass must be recycled at bottle banks (free, located across the country), recycling centres, or through a doorstep collection service. GlassBag collects glass from your door across Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Meath from €8/month.

What is the difference between Re-turn and GlassBag?

Re-turn handles plastic bottles and cans — you get a deposit refund when you return them. GlassBag handles glass bottles and jars — we collect them from your doorstep monthly. The two services are complementary: use Re-turn for plastic and cans, GlassBag for glass.

Can I put glass in my recycling bin instead?

No. In Ireland, glass cannot go in your household kerbside recycling bin. It must be brought to a bottle bank or collected through a service like GlassBag.

Recycle Your Glass the Easy Way

Use Re-turn for plastic and cans. Use GlassBag for all your glass. No bottle bank trips needed.

Get Started — From €8/month