Seven TU Dublin entries shortlisted for Re-turn Awards
Seven TU Dublin entries have been shortlisted for the inaugural Re-turn Awards, run by the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
The shortlisted entries are:
- SHERL
- Student Volunteering Programme
- #SWAG
- Team Cat Wagon
- the Student Re-turn Group
- Likun Fang
- Karansing Mauracheea
The Re-turn Awards recognise the creativity, commitment and community spirit of students, colleges, schools and teachers embracing the Deposit Return Scheme, whether through fundraising initiatives, sustainability projects, campus-wide recycling drives or innovative awareness campaigns.
Following a strong response from third-level institutions nationwide, shortlisted entrants were selected for demonstrating innovative and impactful ways of using the Deposit Return Scheme to benefit their campuses and communities.
These groups have been shortlisted for demonstrating initiative and leadership on campus by encouraging others to Re-turn It Right and raising funds for a range of initiatives.
Winners will be revealed at a special awards ceremony taking place in Croke Park on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, where finalists will come together to celebrate their achievements and contribution to campus and community life.
The ‘National Champion’ award for third-level categories offers a top prize of €5,000 for the winning group or society. A range of prizes will also be awarded across both groups, recognising excellence in creativity, participation and impact.
Since the launch of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme in 2024, schools and third-level institutions have played a key role in helping communities recycle the right way.
Since the launch of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme in 2024, schools and third-level institutions have played a key role in helping communities recycle the right way.
Many have used the Scheme not only to promote sustainability but also to support local initiatives and fundraising efforts, demonstrating how collective action can create both environmental and community impact.
Commenting on the announcement, Dermot Mulligan, Chief Marketing Officer at Re-turn said:
“The response to the Re-turn Awards has been incredibly encouraging, with schools and third-level groups across the country showcasing inspiring examples of how they are embracing the Deposit Return Scheme and helping to raise funds for their goals and community initiatives. The quality and creativity of the entries made selecting a shortlist incredibly difficult and we are delighted to have these groups and individuals from TU Dublin joining us in Croke Park for the ceremony."
The judging panel includes former Irish rugby international Donnacha O’Callaghan, B Corp fashion designer and sustainability advocate, Aoife McNamara and Dermot Mulligan, Chief Marketing Officer at Re-turn. Fiona Maguire, educational consultant and primary school teacher, will judge the primary school categories. Barry Clohessy, former Vice President of the Union of Students in Ireland, will judge the third-level categories.