Optimism Soars: 69% of Ireland anticipates the newly launched DRS to boost recycling efforts in the region

After the recent launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in the Republic of Ireland, a new study conducted by recycling non-profit organisation Every Can Counts has unveiled that nearly 29 per cent of individuals in Ireland need more confidence in understanding how to utilise the program effectively. Furthermore, 78 per cent of individuals residing in the Republic of Ireland exhibit a heightened likelihood of choosing a drink container if they perceive it as recyclable. At the forefront of their preferences are aluminium cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles.

Despite the prevailing uncertainty about the intricacies of the process, a significant majority, almost 69 per cent, expressed that the recently introduced Deposit Return Scheme will catalyse increased recycling. The primary driving force behind this inclination is a deep-seated environmental concern. The initiative, marked by the Return logo, offers a refundable deposit, with 15 cents applicable to drink containers ranging from 150ml to 500ml and 25 cents for those between 500ml and 3 litres.

"Our findings highlight the important role environmental awareness and understanding will play in encouraging people to participate in the Deposit Return Scheme. Aluminium can be recycled time and time again, and making cans from recycled metal uses 95% less energy than making them from raw materials. At Every Can Counts our focus is on raising awareness of these environmental benefits and delivering communications that inspire people to do the right thing with their empty cans. We hope our tips will help to make the process clearer and encourage more people to take part in the Deposit Return Scheme, as ultimately this will have a lasting positive impact on the environment," said Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts.

Apart from grappling with a need for more clarity about the scheme's procedures, participants in the research also expressed concerns about insufficient storage space for uncrushed drink containers (36 per cent). Additionally, 22 per cent of respondents felt that the refundable deposit amount needed to be more substantial, and 17 per cent found the process overly complex, citing these reasons as the top three impediments to actively participating in the Deposit Return Scheme.

Every Can Counts represents a distinctive collaboration forged among drink can manufacturers, fillers, and the broader recycling industry, united by the shared objective of achieving a 100 per cent recycling rate for drink cans. This initiative offers complimentary recycling assistance to businesses and organisations across Ireland, aiming to promote and facilitate the recycling of drink cans throughout the country.

"With the new Deposit Return Scheme having only just launched in the Republic of Ireland, it's not surprising to see people harbouring some uncertainty towards the details of the scheme and how they can get their refundable deposit back. While their worries are completely valid, we hope that as they become more familiar with the scheme and its steps, we'll see more and more people participating in it and recycling their used drink containers through Return," added Chris Latham-Warde.

Every Can Counts has outlined three essential steps for individuals who need help reclaiming their refundable deposit for drink containers under the Deposit Return Scheme. Firstly, verify that your drink container bears the Return logo, as only containers featuring this logo are eligible for the scheme. Containers lacking this logo do not qualify for the refundable deposit. Additionally, ensure the container is empty of liquid and remains undamaged; crushed or dented containers will not be accepted.

Subsequently, transport your drink container to a Reverse Vending Machine or return it manually over the counter at participating stores. Reverse Vending Machines will provide clear instructions on usage, and upon inserting your drink container, they will issue a voucher for the refundable deposit. Lastly, present your voucher at the cashier of a participating store, where you can opt for either a full refund or credit towards your next purchase within the store.