Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Ireland has a national deposit return scheme for PET bottles and aluminium or steel drink containers of 150 ml to 3 litres, with a deposit of EUR 0.15 or EUR 0.25. A levy of EUR 0.22 applies to each plastic carrier bag supplied at the point of sale, with exceptions.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersPET plastic beverage bottles, 150 ml to 3 litres, Aluminium or steel beverage containers, 150 ml to 3 litres [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Containers up to 0.5 litres€0.15 per container [2]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Containers over 0.5 litres (up to 3 litres)€0.25 per container [2]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsCharge required [3]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsA levy of 22 cent applies to each plastic carrier bag supplied to customers at the point of sale in a supermarket, service station or other retail premises. The retailer must charge it and itemise it on the receipt. [3]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsA bag with a wall thickness of 50 microns or more that is sold to customers is excepted from the levy. Very lightweight bags (under 15 microns) are excepted when used only for listed unpackaged foods or fresh fish, meat and poultry and required for hygiene or provided as primary packaging for loose food. [3]

Notes

  • The scheme started on 1 February 2024, with transitional periods that ended in March and May 2024. It is run by an approved body that the Minister has approved.
  • Plastic bottles not made from PET and metal containers not designed to hold a beverage are outside the regulations. A retailer need not charge the deposit on products consumed on its premises.
  • The deposit is refundable when the empty container is returned to an approved return point. The Minister may adjust the amount after consulting the approved body.
  • Excepted bags include those for goods sold on board ships and aircraft or in restricted airport and port areas. The levy is collected by the Revenue Commissioners, which gives the rate as 22 cent per bag.

Sources

  1. Irish Statute Book (Houses of the Oireachtas / Attorney General): S.I. No. 33/2024 - Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Irish Statute Book (Houses of the Oireachtas / Attorney General): S.I. No. 555/2024 - Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Irish Statute Book (Houses of the Oireachtas / Attorney General): S.I. No. 698/2023 - Circular Economy (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.