Audrey Smyth at Gavin's Centra demonstrates the new reverse vending machine there.

New return scheme to launch on Thursday

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Only containers with the Re-Turn logo are eligible.

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The Reverse Vending Machines are easy to use with clear instructions given upon use.

Published: Tue 30 Jan 2024, 2:33 PM

Last updated: Tue 30 Jan 2024, 2:36 PM

Ireland’s deposit return scheme goes live on February 1 with the expectation it will have nearly universal buy-in from consumers.

From Thursday onwards, when consumers purchase a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can that features the ‘Re-turn’ logo, they will pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the price of the drink. The amount returned will depend on the size of the eligible bottle or can, with 15c for smaller containers, 25c for larger containers. When returned using either a reverse vending machine, or manually with the retailer, you will have the choice to receive your refund against a store-bought purchase or in cash.

New research has revealed that 82% of consumers support the introduction of the deposit return scheme and 95% of consumers plan to engage with the circular economy initiative.

A total of 94% of those surveyed consider the impact their recycling behaviour will have on future generations and 82% state that the deposit placed on drink containers will incentivise them to return empty containers to participating retailers nationwide.

Over three-quarters of consumers (76%) believe as individuals they can make a difference to the environment, and they mainly believe they can do this by recycling and reusing more.

Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said, “The positive feedback on the introduction of deposit return has been really encouraging. We appreciate that this is a big behavioural change and are delighted to see that we have such support. It is also very interesting to note how many of those surveyed are concerned about the impact of their recycling behaviour on future generations. We have no doubt that Ireland will embrace this change and support our efforts to achieve EU recycling targets and reduce litter and waste.”

The EU has set Ireland a target to separate and collect 77% of plastic beverage bottles by 2025. This target will rise to 90% in 2029. We currently recycle approximately 60% of drinks containers and a Deposit Return scheme is regarded as a proven method of increasing recycling rates, having been successfully employed in several other European countries.