Re-turn teams up with Sarah Reynolds to simplify aluminium cans & plastic bottle recycling

Re-turn, the operator of Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme, has teamed up with professional organiser Sarah Reynolds, the founder of Organised Chaos, to offer practical advice on storing aluminium cans and plastic bottles at home for recycling. According to Re-turn's research, three in five people wait until their bag of aluminium cans and plastic bottles is complete before taking them to their local Deposit Return Point.

Sarah has shared convenient and innovative storage solutions suitable for any space to address this. She also provided tips on seamlessly integrating bottle and can returns into the schedule. For this Sarah suggested to designate a specific 'landing spot' for plastic bottles and cans at home.

"For smaller spaces, consider a container or a box tucked into the corner of a counter which will work well to gather plastic bottles and cans. Either lift and take the box to empty at the Deposit Return Point or transfer the contents to a bag and leave the storage container on the counter if you are concerned it won't make it back to its landing spot! If working with a larger space, pick up a bigger storage solution that comes with removable bags for easy transfer to the Deposit Return Point. Alternatively, sorting bins or crates can work well for outdoors or in a utility room, with handles for better access," added Sarah.

She also mentioned not to crush or squeeze the containers as the barcode must remain visible. All the drink containers, including aluminium cans and plastic bottles, must have the Re-turn logo embedded in them.

"Once you've completed the return, remember to claim your cashback or have a plan for your store voucher. If you set up a habit to bring back bottles and cans just before a food shop, use your voucher during this purchase. If saving your vouchers, consider a small wallet for organising vouchers and keep this in an accessible place like a car glove box or bag," stated Sarah.

Campaign ambassador and organisation expert, Sarah Reynolds of Organised Chaos, said, "The introduction of Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme offers a great opportunity to promote sustainable habits, and I am thrilled to come on board and provide my expertise to help create make the most of your space when collecting cans and bottles. An important part of sustaining organised spaces in the home is by incorporating a routine to keep it organised, with the right tools and tips, a Re-turn routine is simple to achieve and helps everyone do their part for the environment."