20 new ‘bin surrounds’ have been installed on Galway city centre bins, to collect cans and bottles ‘on the go’ – potentially saving thousands of bottles and cans from landfill, or street litter in the city.
The public is asked when out and about and you’ve got a plastic bottle or can with the Re-turn symbol, instead of binning it -pop it in the holder on the side of the bin.
This simple action means the bottle or can be recycled — not dumped in landfill, or worse, littering streets.
Anyone passing by can take that bottle or can and claim the 15 cent refund.
Galway city Mayor Mike Cubbard says it’s recycling that rewards — and it keeps valuable materials in the loop, ready to create something new. This pilot is part of a true circular economy — giving bottles and cans a second life, and helping Galway City hit its recycling targets.
Galway City Council, in partnership with Re-turn, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is collaborating to deliver this project in Galway City.
20 bins along a route from Eyre Square, down to William Street, Shop Street, High Street, and all the way down to the bottom of Quay Street feature in the new surrounds.
