The short answer
Published by John Fox, BinDay. Last updated 29 October 2026.
Plastic drinks bottles with the Re-turn logo go back to a Re-turn point for the deposit. Keep them empty and undamaged, with the label on. Other accepted bottles, such as plastic milk, shampoo and detergent bottles, go in household recycling, clean, dry and loose. Glass bottles need a glass bring bank.
Last checked 29 October 2026 by BinDay against the sources below. This guide covers the Republic of Ireland; bin colours and collector instructions can differ.
Why this answer
MyWaste directs drinks bottles with the Re-turn logo to participating return points. Re-turn accepts eligible bottles empty and undamaged. Use the BinDay machine finder link below to find a return point.
MyWaste lists milk, shampoo, household cleaning and laundry detergent bottles as household recyclables. Keep them clean, dry and loose. Its glass guidance sends glass bottles and jars to a bring bank.
What to do
- Check whether a drinks bottle has the Re-turn logo.
- Return eligible drinks bottles empty and undamaged, keeping the label on, for the deposit.
- Recycle other accepted plastic bottles clean, dry and loose. Take glass bottles to a glass bring bank.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not use the ordinary recycling bin for Re-turn drinks bottles if you want to reclaim the deposit.
Not sure about something else?
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Sources and local checks
- MyWaste: plastic drinks bottles
- MyWaste: household recycling materials
- MyWaste: clean, dry and loose plastic recycling
- MyWaste: glass bottles and jars
- Re-turn: drinks bottles and cans, and how to return them
- BinDay tool: find a Re-turn machine
For a collection point, check what it accepts before travelling. For household-bin instructions, find your collector. How BinDay checks sources and corrects mistakes.
Council pages for this item
Irish local authorities license private collectors rather than running household bin rounds. Use the council page for civic amenity and official waste links, then confirm your collector.