The recently implemented Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), managed by the not-for-profit organisation Re-turn, has refunded roughly £1.2 million to customers within its first six weeks. The Department of Environment reports that nearly seven million containers have been returned, comprising approximately 3.6 million aluminium cans and 3.4 million plastic bottles.
The scheme began on February 1st, asking consumers purchasing drinks in cans or plastic bottles marked with the Re-turn logo to pay a deposit of 15 to 25 cents depending on the container size, in addition to the drink’s price. Buyers can return their empty, unbroken drink containers to reverse-vending machines stationed in participating stores. They then receive a refund for their paid deposit in the form of an outlet voucher.
Current reports show a broad positive response from both clients and businesses, as stated by the Environment Minister, Eamon Ryan. Nevertheless, several problems such as confusion over barcodes and labels, reverse-vending machine breakdowns, and rejected containers have arisen. Re-turn is currently addressing these issues.
A transition period will last until June 1st, allowing for selling off old stock and introducing new stock displaying the Re-turn logo. An official from the department mentions that while initial returns and refunds were less, there has been a steady rise over the last week as more retailers introduce the new stock.
The aim of the scheme is to reach a collection target of 77% of containers sold or placed on the market yearly by 2025, escalating to 90% by the end of 2029 in compliance with the European Union’s single use plastics directive. The department will be supervising the scheme’s progress closely and will frequently receive updates from Re-turn on its performance.