Opposition to plastic bottle deposit scheme dropped by Repak

Recycling organisation Repak has dropped its opposition to the introduction of a plastic bottle recycling schemes. The scheme will impose a charge on plastic bottles and drink cans that can be refunded when they are returned to shop, special vending machines and recycling centres.

Industry groups had resisted the introduction, with Repak suggesting that recycling rates were roughly the same whether a country has a deposit return scheme or not. Waste collectors will lose a revenue stream from the cans and bottles people are currently putting in the green bin.

Welcoming the announcement Senator Robbie Gallagher said a plastic bottle return scheme will lift recycling rates over 90% in the coming years: “The idea is included in the Programme for Government. The plan, which would see people handed back a deposit for every plastic bottle they recycle, could be in place within months.”

Senator Gallagher says that similar schemes are already in place in 40 countries around the world and 21 of the United States.

“It would mean that you pay a deposit of somewhere between 8c to 22c when you purchase a beverage with a plastic bottle. Then you would be able to return that bottle, either through a vending machine or a bring back centre and get your money back,” said Senator Gallagher.

The plan will bring Ireland in line with the new EU Single-Use Plastics and Circular Economy packages and lift plastic bottle recycling from 70% to above 90%. A pilot programme in Carrickmacross began last year refunding people 10c on any bottle they brought back.

“They didn’t have the deposit system in place because that would need to be national but even in the first two months, 50,000 bottles were collected,” Seanator Gallagher said, “The scheme was successfully led by the local Tidy Towns group in partnership with the local authority and industry. Carrickmacross has led the way on this.”

The Fianna Fail representative believes it will be a popular scheme: “We have seen again and again that people like these schemes. It is a superb incentive to get people recycling more. It is straightforward and we know that it works in other countries – it has brought recycling rates in places like Norway up to 95%.

“The main concerns with the scheme will come from curb side waste collectors who will lose a revenue stream from the cans and bottles people are currently putting in the green bin, however an added plus is that it should reduce the amount of plastic bottle litter in our towns and countryside. I look forward to this scheme being fast tracked now that objections and reservation have been dealt with,” he concluded.