Dear Editor,
At this initial point of the Deposit Return Scheme implementation, some growing pains are to be expected. However, I have personally observed a notable reduction in discarded cans and plastic bottles littering our streets, parks and roadside areas.
Just this past Sunday, I joined a queue at a return machine, alongside parents educating their children on the importance of recycling and the rewards attached. If this scheme has been influential and effective in several countries globally, there’s no reason we can’t replicate those results here.
Kind Regards,
Tom Ryan,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.
Dear Editor,
Having recently read Conor Pope’s piece (April 22nd) on the Deposit Return Scheme, my concerns over the project only seem to escalate. It appears there are glaring issues which, one would assume, should have been foreseen and tackled appropriately by the organisers during the initiation stage.
Much to my disappointment, the spokesperson’s response did not inspire confidence in their ability to rectify the multiple issues being faced nationwide. However, they did point out that Reverse Vending Machines seemed to outperform regular recycling bins due to reduced contamination. Therefore, wouldn’t it have been logical to equip households already utilising bins with a designated can and bottle bin?
The public already incurs costs for refuse and recycling services; this would not have imposed any additional charges on them or retailers. Based on this, I can’t envision the return scheme being anything other than an absolute debacle.
Yours Sincerely,
Stephen Ring,
Portlaoise,
Co Laois.