Reverse vending machines ‘not before time’

“Not before time,” was the response of one local councillor to reports that reverse vending machines, aimed at incentivising the public to recycle plastics in exchange for credit, are set to become a common sight in towns and villages across Ireland in the coming months.

The Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021 have been signed, providing the legal framework for the scheme to become operational.

In July of this year Aldi launched Ireland's largest reverse vending machine at its Monread Road store, in Naas, Co Kildare.

Fianna Fáil’s Aiden Fitzpatrick had expressed fears over the roll-out at the September meeting of Cavan County Council when told by the executive that the “financial model” for such a project in Ireland “might not be sustainable”.

Cllr Fitzpatrick’s motion to ask that the council write to the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan, asking for an update on the scheme received support from within the chamber, and was seconded by Fine Gael’s Carmel Brady.

A response to that motion was received in time for the recent November scheduled meeting, which was welcomed by Cllr Fitzpatrick.

“I’m happy with the response,” he said. “It’s not before time.”

Inspired by the advancements made by Monaghan County Council and also the Tidy Towns Committee in Carrickmacross, Cllr Fitzpatrick first raised the matter not long after his election to the council, and as far back as November 2019.

He noted the last update was back in 2020 when Minister Ryan boasted of rewarding shoppers who help prevent recyclable containers ending up in rubbish bins or as street litter.

A public consultation was due to commence which would ultimately decide the final format of the rollout, with an introduction time of around Autumn 2022, once agreements had been reached with retailers and recycling firms.