Money back for users of bottle deposit scheme

A new 'Deposit and Return' scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans will mean money back for users, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy Ossian Smyth has said.

Under the Scheme, to be introduced in February 2024, anyone who buys a drink will pay a small deposit for the plastic bottle or can container.

Customers get their money back when they return the container to a retailer or other collection point to be recycled.

The deposit is set to be 15c for cans or bottles of up to 500ml and 25c above 500ml.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Minister Smyth said the effect will be "far less litter."

Pilot deposit return machines are in operation at 15 sites around the country, and "thousands of supermarkets" will be part of the scheme by 1 February 2024, he added.

"I'm very happy. I think it's going to have a huge effect on our ability to recycle."

Every large supermarket will be running the scheme, Minister Smyth said.

Smaller supermarkets will have the choice to take bottles and cans back manually, instead of having a machine in-store, and very small shops can opt out of the scheme, he said.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien TD has said he is seeking the approval of the Oireachtas to allow retailers to be modified to cater for 'reverse vending machines' (RVMs).

He is seeking amendments to the existing Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to provide an exemption for the installation, alteration, repair or replacement of RVMs and to insert a new definition of "reverse vending machine" into the principal regulations.

He said: "When it comes to reverse vending machines, these planning amendments will help us ensure that we smooth the way to have the necessary infrastructure available for when the scheme begins in February 2024.

"Ultimately, they will make it easier for people to recycle, and result in changes in consumer behaviour."