Ciaran Foley
Ciaran Foley is the head of Re-turn, Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which was launched in February 2024 with the aim of increasing recycling rates for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Under his leadership, the scheme has achieved significant milestones, including the recycling of over 1.8 billion containers and hitting its EU-mandated targets ahead of schedule. Foley has faced criticism regarding the scheme's implementation and public perception, but remains focused on educating consumers about the benefits of recycling and the circular economy. He emphasizes that Re-turn operates on a not-for-profit basis, aiming to reinvest any profits into furthering environmental initiatives and supporting community causes.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Ciarán Foley is the chief executive of Re-Turn, which manages the Deposit Return Scheme.
‘They’re sitting on a pile of unclaimed deposits’ – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-02-23
Ciaran Foley highlighted how many people on social media give out about the Re-turn scheme.
From ‘it adds car journeys’ to ‘an incentive for people to litter less’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-15
Ciaran Foley is the head of Re-turn, the Deposit Return Scheme introduced in Ireland.
‘How do we make less money?’ Re-turn continues to break records with cash it actively doesn’t want – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-15