Pictured at the launch of the scheme were members of Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee with representatives of McGrath Waste, Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Mayo Cancer Support and Castlebar Tennis Club. PHOTO: JOHN MEE

Mayo 'return' scheme launched to help local charities

A Return to the Community Scheme has been launched thanks to the Castlebar Tidy Towns group in conjunction with local businesses McGrath Waste and Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Castlebar.

The Return to the Community Scheme gives people a convenient way of returning their cans and bottles for recycling while benefiting two worthy local causes at the same time.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme at Castlebar Tennis Club, Castlebar Tidy Towns chairperson, Alan Mee, explained how the recently introduced Return Deposit Scheme sees shoppers paying a deposit on bottles and cans that carry the special return logo.

The deposit can be reclaimed by returning the bottles and cans to shops that are participating in the Return Deposit Scheme or to special reverse vending machines.

Castlebar Tidy Towns has established a drop-off point for return cans and bottles at Castlebar Tennis Club.

The Tidy Towns group will return the bottles and cans along with those its volunteers collect on their weekly litter-picks.

All deposits reclaimed will be donated to two very worthy local causes – Mayo Cancer Support and Castlebar Tennis Club.

Mayo Cancer Support, marking its 25th anniversary, offers free emotional support, including therapies, counselling, and group activities, to those affected by cancer at Rock Rose House in Castlebar and outreach clinics in Ballina and Achill.

Established in 1937, Castlebar Tennis Club has evolved into a remarkable organisation.

Recently, the club faced adversity when its dome facility was destroyed by a storm. Fundraising efforts are now in progress to rebuild the dome.

As Castlebar Tidy Towns marks its 30th anniversary, they encourage locals to recycle bottles and cans at Castlebar Tennis Club, with the reclaimed deposits supporting two beloved local organisations.

People are urged to ensure that they only return empty bottles and cans that are in good condition and feature the official Return logo to the collection point at Castlebar Tennis Club during club opening hours and to refrain from dumping any other unwanted items there.