Vending Drinks and Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme

Buying a drink from a vending machine in Ireland and returning its empty container are two separate steps. The machine selling the drink may not be a return point. Check the container and the information at the site so you know where to recover any applicable deposit.

Check the container rather than guessing

Re-turn’s consumer guidance identifies eligible PET plastic bottles and aluminium or steel cans from 150 ml to 3 litres. Look for the Re-turn logo and use its barcode checker if you are unsure. Glass bottles are not part of that container range.

A drinks cabinet can contain several packaging types, so do not assume every item beside an eligible bottle follows the same rules. Keep the packaging until you have checked what applies. If a price or deposit is unclear, ask the operator for an explanation of that selection.

Keep the empty container in returnable condition

Re-turn asks consumers to return containers empty and undamaged. Keep the label and barcode readable rather than crushing the container into a pocket. A small reusable bag can help you bring a few containers back without mixing them with ordinary rubbish.

• Finish or empty the drink before returning the container.
• Keep the barcode and identifying label intact.
• Use a participating return point.
• Follow the instructions at that return point.

The drinks machine’s collection tray is not a place to leave empty bottles. Doing so can obstruct the next customer and create extra work for site staff.

Understand where the voucher is redeemed

Re-turn explains that a reverse vending machine can issue a voucher for the deposit value. That voucher is redeemed at the store where it was issued, either towards a purchase or as a cash refund. Keep it until you have completed that step.

If a return machine rejects a container, check its condition and ask staff at the return point for help. The original drinks operator and the return-point operator may be different businesses, so contact the one responsible for the problem you encountered.

A useful arrangement for workplaces

Site managers can make the process clearer with a short notice near the drinks area and an agreed place for containers awaiting return. Explain whether staff should keep their own containers or whether an optional workplace collection supports a stated cause. Avoid leaving people uncertain about who receives the deposit value.

When planning a new beverage vending service, include packaging and nearby return options in the site discussion. Contact our team to discuss a drinks offer and clear customer information for your workplace.