Bin There, Recycle That, Ya Eejit

The point of some returns…

atest press release from Cllr Orla Finn, issued on Thursday, May 29th 2025…

As part of this year’s Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Programme at Eire Óg Greystones, local student Conor Lehane researched the Give, Take, Return bin surround scheme that has been piloted recently by Dublin City Council and Re-Turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.

Conor then contacted Cllr. Orla Finn and proposed that this scheme should be extended to Co. Wicklow. Cllr. Finn was delighted to raise this issue at the recent Greystones Municipal District meeting and will also bring this initiative up at the next Wicklow County Council meeting.

The Give, Take, Return designated bin surrounds aim to reduce litter and improve recycling by providing dedicated bin surrounds to existing bins, whereby people can leave their containers for others to take and return, as part of the Deposit Return Scheme.

Individuals can donate their containers while on the go without needing to redeem the deposit themselves. Others are then free to take the donated bottles and cans and return them to a participating store for a refund. The Give, Take, Return bin surrounds also address the practice of individuals scavenging through public bins for bottles and cans to return.

This practice is unsafe and ends up generating more litter on the street. Similar Give, Take, Return initiatives have been rolled out in the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark and Cllr. Finn believes that it is time that Ireland followed suit.

“I would like to congratulate Conor on this wonderful initiative and commend him for his vision, passion and commitment to his community”.