Welcome back to our North Sustainability Stories Series. In our last post, we delved into the "three Ps" strategy—People, Planet, and Profit—and how it serves as a cornerstone for our sustainable business development.
Today, we're thrilled to explore a real-world application of this approach, showcasing its effectiveness in driving meaningful environmental progress in our communities.
At the heart of this discussion is the successful implementation of Ireland's Return Scheme at the Limerick North office, comparable to a recycling program in the U.S. This initiative echoes the principles of the "three Ps," and also highlights their balanced benefits in action.
By reducing litter and generating funds, the scheme has ignited a transformative wave of sustainability within the workplace. Employees are actively engaged, participating in practices that clean up the environment and support local causes.
This collective effort fosters a sense of community and demonstrates the powerful impact of shared goals.
The origins of the Deposit Return Scheme
In Ireland, the Deposit Return Scheme was introduced in 2024, requiring a 15 to 25 cent deposit on bottles and cans. To date, the scheme has successfully collected over 1 billion used drink containers from across the country.
The deposit can be claimed upon returning the containers, effectively reducing litter while generating income, including for the unhoused population of Ireland, who often collect the recycling to earn cash. The scheme has been lauded for its dual impact—environmental and social.
Adapting the scheme to the office
Motivated by the program’s overall success in Ireland, North’s Limerick office decided to implement a similar collection system.They placed an extra bin in the kitchen area, clearly labeled for employees to deposit their bottles and cans. Initially managed by an employee, the responsibility was later passed to the Employee Resource Group (ERG) committee.
Victoria Staszowska, the Limerick Office Manager and member of the ERG committee in charge of the office recycling scheme says, "Embracing a return scheme is like giving a gift back to our planet and community. It beautifully reduces litter, promotes sustainability, and transforms waste into something valuable."
Since its inception, the office collection has grown, especially after the installation of a vending machine, which led to more cans and plastic bottles in the workplace.
Each month since the start of the scheme in February 2024, the office has earned around 50 euros, highlighting the program’s growing success.
The collected proceeds are split equally between regular donations to Limerick Animal Welfare, and the purchase of fresh fruit as requested by employees, reflecting North’s commitment to both health and community support.
This initiative supports our goal of a healthier workplace while providing tangible aid to local animal welfare, fulfilling social responsibility goals and contributing to a culture of collaborative good.
A step towards a sustainable future
The Deposit Return Scheme is more than just a recycling initiative; it's a step towards a cleaner, more sustainable Ireland and a stronger economy. By prioritizing resource management and enhancing recycling efforts, Ireland strives to meet the EU recyclable materials targets—77% by 2025, and 90% by 2029.
This circular economy initiative aims to shift away from a “take, make, and dispose” culture, to one of returning and repurposing valuable materials. By keeping these materials in the economy longer, the scheme supports sustainable growth and environmental protection.
Our office's adaptation of the Ireland Deposit Return Scheme showcases how small changes can lead to significant impacts. It encourages us all to consider how we can incorporate sustainable practices into our daily routines.
It’s not just about recycling; it’s about nurturing a cleaner, more responsible world where everyone benefits.
North is a leading financial technology company that builds innovative, frictionless end-to-end payment solutions designed to simplify and grow businesses of all sizes. From the front door, to the back office, the developer world, and partnerships that expand the payments landscape, North offers proactive, comprehensive merchant services, in-house processing, and more.
