Ahead of Ireland's deposit return scheme (DRS) launch on February 1, 2024, Re-Turn, the Scheme's operator, has released consumer guidelines. Starting in February, when Irish consumers buy a drink in aluminium cans and plastic bottles featuring the Re-Turn logo, they will be required to pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the drink's price. These specially marked bottles and cans will be introduced in shops and supermarkets nationwide in February.
A deposit of 15 cents will apply to containers ranging from 150ml to 500ml, while containers exceeding 500ml up to 3 litres will have a deposit of 25 cents. It's important to note that glass drink containers are not part of this deposit return scheme. After consumers have consumed their drink, they can return the empty and undamaged container to any participating shop or supermarket nationwide to reclaim their deposits.
"The DRS is an exciting new, circular initiative which will transform the way we think about empty drinks bottles and cans. The refundable deposit will incentivise us to return these containers so producers can make new bottles out of old bottles and new cans out of old cans, saving materials, and energy and reducing litter. The Scheme is a massive undertaking for producers and retailers and Re-turn, the producer-led company, who have shown great commitment and leadership in coming together to develop it," said Ossian Smyth, the Minister of State responsible for Communications and Circular Economy.
Re-Turn reports that most registered retailers in Ireland for the DRS have established their deposit return points. Consumers now have the option to return their empty, undamaged plastic bottles and aluminium cans to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide, utilizing either a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or engaging with the staff over the counter.
To minimize waste, Re-Turn has announced that, for a limited duration starting February 1, there may still be some plastic bottles and cans in circulation without the Re-Turn logo. As no deposit would have been paid on these particular items, consumers are advised to dispose of them in recycling bins. The national DRS for Ireland was officially launched by Ossian Smyth, the Minister of State responsible for Communications and Circular Economy, on November 28, 2022.
Responses
