Ireland prepares for its DRS debut in February

In February 2024, Ireland is implementing its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), after the initiative has seen success in other countries. Aluminium and steel cans and plastic bottles of varying sizes will bear the Re-turn logo, the operators of the scheme, and retailers will charge consumers an additional fee when purchasing products in this packaging. This ranges from 15 cents to 25 cents, dependent on size; 15 cents for 150ml-500ml containers, and 25 cents for 500ml-3 litre containers.

Once consumers are finished with their aluminium/steel can or plastic bottle, they are encouraged to return it, empty and undamaged, to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide, where they will get their deposit fee refunded to them. This can either be done by manual return over the counter at the shop, or via Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) which will issue a voucher for the value of the number of packaging items returned. This can then be exchanged within the shop for cash or for money off of further purchased items. RVM vouchers can only be redeemed within the shop or supermarket they are situated within. Re-turn will display an interactive map on its website from February which will show the locations where consumers can return their containers across the country. Anywhere that sells drinks in plastic and steel/aluminium cans with the Re-turn logo must accept empty, undamaged containers and refund consumers’ deposits in cash or against other purchases.

It is only aluminium and steel cans and plastic bottles included in the scheme at this time, since the other significant container option, glass bottles, already have an 80% recycling rate, compared to plastic bottles and cans which sit at 60%, according to the Re-turn website. This means that 30% are going to landfill or being littered. Part of the scheme’s objective is to reduce littering and incentivise consumers to return their containers so that they are guaranteed to be recycled.

The scheme is part of a move towards a circular economy and away from a single-use and disposable product structure. Valuable materials can be returned, such as aluminium, which is especially suitable for the scheme due to its infinitely recyclable properties, and kept in a closed loop system in the economy for as long as possible.