Re-turn issues consumer guidance ahead of Deposit Return Scheme launch

Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme goes live this Thursday (1st February).

Many supermarkets across Meath have been preparing for the launch of the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) by installing reverse vending machines.

The operator of the nationwide scheme, Re-turn, is advising that only bottles and cans purchased after Thursday are eligible for a deposit refund, as these drinks containers will have had a deposit charged. Those who may have collected older bottles and cans should dispose of them as normal in a recycling bin.

When consumers purchase a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can featuring the Re-turn logo, they will pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When the empty and undamaged drinks containers are returned to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide, consumers will receive their full deposit refund.

A deposit of 15 cents will apply to each container from 150ml - 500mls and a deposit of 25 cents for containers over 500ml to 3 litres.

The majority of retailers across the country have now registered for the Deposit Return Scheme and have set up their deposit return points. Consumers can return their empty undamaged plastic bottles and cans to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide. either through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or manually, over the counter.

If through a reverse vending machine, consumers will be issued a voucher that can be redeemed at the till against store purchases or as a cash refund. Vouchers issued from an RVM must be redeemed at the same retail outlet.

If over the counter, retailers must check the drinks container features the Re-turn logo and is undamaged and then provide a refund.

Consumers are advised not to crush or squeeze the plastic bottles and cans.

While all consumers should use their recycling bins for mixed dry recyclables, Re-Turn are asking that consumers return their plastic bottles and cans with the Re-turn logo to local participating shops and supermarkets to redeem their deposit. The separate collection of these plastic bottles and cans guarantees a high quality recyclate material is returned and recycled and there is no cross contamination. The introduction of Deposit Return is a proven method of increasing recycling rates, with great success in a number of other European countries.

Not every drinks container is eligible for Deposit Return. Only drinks containers in PET plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans from 150ml to 3 litres are included in the Scheme. All containers included in the Scheme will feature the Re-turn logo.

Some items not included in the deposit return scheme are any dairy drinks products in plastic containers or cartons (milk), steel and tin cans that contain foodstuffs, containers for cleaning supplies, and glass drinks containers.

The Deposit Return Scheme is a practical circular economy initiative that aims to create a closed-loop recycling system guaranteeing the material is returned and recycled. 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 Deposit Return is a proven method of increasing recycling rates, with great success in a number of other European countries.

As part of its national rollout, ALDI has installed reverse vending machines at all 161 stores nationwide, of which 71 will be installed externally at covered DRS units, with internal DRS kiosks being installed at all remaining stores.

Aldi says it expects to facilitate the recycling of approximately 240 million empty bottles and cans per year through its DRS machines.

As part of its nationwide launch, Colin Breslin, Managing Director of Buying & Services Aldi Ireland said: “We are delighted here at Aldi to be a part of this scheme, which aligns with our pursuit of waste reduction and nurturing a circular economy. The project represents an upfront cost of over €15m, which is further evidence of our commitment to sustainability.”

“I would encourage people to embrace this initiative from the get-go and to remind customers that Aldi will accept empty drinks items, either plastic bottles or aluminium cans, from any retailer once they have the Re-turn logo on the product in question.”

Re-turn has created an FAQ page on the website for any questions which consumers may have, and they are strongly encouraged to reach out to info@re-turn.ie if they have any further queries.

Additionally, from Thursday the website www.re-turn.ie will feature a map that indicates where to find deposit return points.