Re-sounding success for new scheme
MORE than two million bottles and cans have been cashed in since Ireland launched its deposit return scheme last month.
Re-turn is managing the operation to help the State reach its recycling targets and reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles and cans discarded in bins or as litter.
It says there are now 2,202 reverse vending machines and 150 manual return points across the country where customers can reclaim up to 25c for each bottle or can.
Re-turn chief Ciaran Foley said: “I am really encouraged by the support and participation shown by Irish consumers during the first month of the scheme.
“Over this past weekend, we collected another 670,000 containers and to have nearly three million deposit returns at this early stage shows a willingness and commitment to reducing litter, protecting our environment and better recycling.
“This is a huge behavioural change for all Irish consumers, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during the fourmonth transition period as retailers sell through non-deposit products, together with Re-turn logo stock and some stock that may incur a deposit but does not feature the
Re-turn logo.
“Please be assured that if you pay a deposit on a drinks container, you’ll get it back when returned empty and undamaged to Reverse Vending Machines.
“From June, all drinks containers in plastic bottles or aluminium cans included in the scheme from 150ml to 3 litres will feature the Re-turn logo.”
The EU has set Ireland a target for the separate collection of 77% by 2025 and 90% by 2029.
We currently recycle approximately 60% of drinks containers and Deposit Return is a proven method of increasing recycling rates.