Cobh and Harbour Chamber Leads Community-Driven Pilot Deposit Return Scheme to Support Local Charities

Cobh and Harbour Chamber, through a Joint Sustainability Council initiative with Mallow Chamber, has launched a pilot Deposit Return Scheme in Cobh that invites a diverse range of local businesses, institutions, and community groups to host designated recycling stations for bottles and cans, with all proceeds from the returned deposits being directed to local charities in an effort to promote sustainable waste disposal while supporting nonprofit organisations in the community. The initiative will be extended to Mallow soon.

Re-turn collection points for recyclable cans and bottles have been installed at eight participating venues in Cobh: AIB Bank, Cobh; Cobh and Harbour Chamber; Cobh Community Hospital; Cobh Heritage Centre; The Commodore Hotel; Doyle Shipping Group; Wilson’s Pharmacy and Keen on Sport. Proceeds from these deposit return points will benefit Tidy Towns Cobh, Fota Wildlife Park, and Cobh Community Hospital.

This pilot project is made possible with the generous support of AIB, Cobh, which has sponsored the indoor collection bins. The Joint Sustainability Council’s aim for this initiative is to help raise awareness around responsible recycling and environmental consciousness, inspire local action, and channel recycling efforts into tangible support for local and community-based charities.

Toddy Stafford, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber said “Recycling through the deposit return scheme is a simple act that creates a powerful ripple effect. Not only does it help keep Cobh clean and green, but when those deposits are donated to local charities, it directly supports the heart of our community. It’s a win-win — good for the environment, and even better for the people who call Cobh and Harbour region home.”

“At AIB Cobh, we are proud to support this initiative and to see such strong collaboration across a wide range of local enterprises who are actively embracing responsible and sustainable practices,” said Colin Morehead, Branch Manager of AIB Cobh. “This project not only raises awareness around the importance of recycling in an environmentally conscious way, but it also channels those efforts into meaningful support for local not-for-profit organisations that are vital to our community. By combining environmental action with community benefit, this initiative represents a step toward building a greener, more sustainable future for everyone in the Cobh region.”

To complement the Deposit Return Scheme, Cobh and Harbour Chamber will soon host a virtual “Lunch and Learn” webinar with Chamber President Toddy Stafford. The session will offer practical guidance on energy efficiency and sustainable practices for businesses, aimed at cost reduction and environmental protection. Dates and access details of the webinar will be shared shortly.

The Joint Sustainability Council, an initiative of the Cobh and Harbour Chamber and Mallow Chamber, was established in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and functions as a support network offering guidance, resources, and collaborative opportunities to help local enterprises move toward carbon neutrality. Its primary aim is to assist Chamber members in transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy, while fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving business community. The Council supports the development of sustainability objectives for both Chambers, with a focus on enhancing long-term sustainability for member businesses, strengthening societal cohesion and community development and staying informed on sustainability trends and policy developments.