Re-turn: "From supporting grassroots sports projects to funding life-saving medical initiatives, Re-turn is proving that sustainability delivers meaningful and long-lasting benefits"

Electric Picnic is known for its brilliant mix of music, art, theatre, comedy, food and holistic health. But as Ireland’s largest music festival, EP is also a pioneer in reducing the environmental impact of festivals, inspiring climate action and reaching the relevant UN Sustainability Goals.

Between prohibiting single-use plastic cutlery, reducing air pollution with recycled vegetable oil, encouraging pre-pitched or Eco Campsites and more, EP and its partners have put their commitment to staying green on full display this year.

And not only are EP organisers and their non-profit partners in on the fun – so too are the fans!

WILLING & SUSTAINABLE

A highlight of the Electric Picnic sustainability plan is Re-turn, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Since its launch in February 2024, Re-turn has encouraged people across Ireland to return over 1.6 billion drinks containers, in exchange for a monetary refund, a voucher to spend in a shop, or a donation to a local cause.

In this marvellously effective way, Re-turn and its users have very reduced litter, supported their local communities and built a more circular economy for Ireland.

The good news is that Re-turn is back – bigger and better than ever – for its second year at EP. In 2025, Re-turn will be on site for the whole weekend with a stand, where fans can swing by to learn more about the scheme, play fun games, win exciting prizes and chat with the Re-turn team.

Festival-goers will also have plenty of opportunities to play their part. Designated Re-turn donation points will be featured throughout the site, where fans can donate their empty drink containers. In the EP Arena, there will be three Cup Return points, where fans can return compatible drink containers at 15c each.

Additionally, Reverse Vending Machines located at Cup Return Point 2 and 3 will issue vouchers that can be redeemed at both locations.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

While it feels great to give back to Mother Earth, the joy of going green isn’t the only benefit of the Re-turn scheme at EP. Last year, the organisation launched ‘Return For Children’, a charity fundraising initiative supporting six national children’s charities: Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and Make-A-Wish Ireland.

Each charity addresses different aspects of children’s needs, from healthcare and support for serious illnesses to providing essential services and advocacy for vulnerable children. With ‘Return For Children’, attendees can donate the deposits from their containers at the Designated Re-turn donation points, with all proceeds going to the charities.

Irish rapper Khakikid says participating in schemes like Re-turn makes complete sense.

“It seems like the obvious choice to me,” he tells Hot Press. “No one likes to walk on a festival ground with cans and plastic cups all over the place. It’s just unsightly. I feel having something like Re-turn as a part of the festival makes the process a lot easier.

“Efforts like that are obviously really good for the environment, but also for the people – or the charities – who get the donations. Return your cans. Get some money. You can buy more cans by recycling your cans! It’s only logical!”

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

MASSIVE IMPACT

To date, the Re-turn scheme has raised over €215,000 for ‘Return For Children’ since its launch. And that figure is set to grow considerably. Eoin Dillon, of the Dublin rock band Fizzy Orange, is impressed by the increased participation in,  and awareness of, Re-turn.

“It’s nice to know there are reusable canisters for drinks,” he notes, “and that schemes like that are being pushed, so we’re not seeing as much litter around.”

Fizzy Orange are far from detached from festival goings-on; some of the band members spent time as clean-up staff at festivals, so they know what goes on behind the scenes.

“I think everyone should, at one point, have to clean up a festival to realise how much has been left behind over the years. Especially after you’ve had to clean up after other people, it’s nice to see the change and appreciate that, nowadays, you can leave no trace.”

Make no mistake, the Return initiative has already had a massive, positive, environmental impact. Irish Business Against Litter reported a 50% drop in litter from bottles and cans since the Re-turn scheme was launched.

Not only that: last year, the Coastwatch Annual Marine Litter Survey recorded the lowest average levels of drink container litter on Irish shores in 25 years. In addition, the Re-turn scheme has been embraced by over 3,600 schools, clubs and community groups across Ireland, all putting their best foot forward to support local causes.

From supporting grassroots sports projects to funding life-saving medical initiatives, Re-turn is proving that sustainability delivers meaningful and long-lasting benefits – locally and nationally.

PLAY YOUR PART

So let’s get with the programme!  This is a movement that all should be part of. So keep an eye out for the main donation point at the EP arena and the designated bins across the festival site. Try your best to keep your cans and plastic bottles (preferably with caps attached) undamaged and un-crumpled when you deposit them. Plus, you can stop by the Re-turn tent to play fun games and to learn more.

Electric Picnic is setting the bar high for both sustainability and charitable donations, with Re-turn leading the charge. At the heart of the scheme is this powerful idea: small, sustainable actions by individuals – like you! – can have big, brilliant impacts if everyone gets involved. And at EP, fans have a unique opportunity to be part of that movement. Let’s do it – together…