ieExplains: What is the deposit return scheme and will I get money for recycling?
Machine Can Picture: Vending In Returning Money People — Denis Ways Cork From Back Get A Of Minihane Containers Two Reverse One
Ireland will introduce a new deposit return scheme from today. Here's everything you need to know.
The deposit return scheme will see a refundable deposit or levy added to certain drinks containers in shops.
This deposit can be claimed back by returning empty containers once they are not damaged.
Details of the scheme were first announced in November 2022.
The aim of the scheme is to improve recycling rates across the country, and tackle litter.
"The deposit return scheme is an exciting new, circular initiative which will transform the way we think about empty drinks bottles and cans," said Minister for State Ossian Smyth, who is responsible for the circular economy
“The refundable deposit will incentivise us to return these containers so producers can make new bottles out of old bottles and new cans out of old cans, saving materials, energy and reducing litter,” he added.
The scheme is being operated by non-profit organisation, re-turn.ie, and is being brought in to encourage greater recycling of plastic bottles and cans.
When the scheme launches, you will pay a small deposit on top of the price of certain drinks. When you return the empty, undamaged container, you get your deposit back in full.
You can choose to get your deposit back in cash, redeem it against a new purchase, or opt to donate to charity.
Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Most plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans will be included in the scheme, once they are between 150ml and 3l in size.
They must also have the new Re-turn logo on them. This logo will start appearing on drink containers from Thursday, February 1.
The deposit amount will range from 15c to 25c depending on the size of the container.
A 15c levy will be added to containers ranging from 150ml to 500ml and a 25c levy will be added to containers ranging from 500ml to 3l.
Glass bottles, milk cartons and yoghurt pots will not be included in the new scheme.
Neither will containers over 3l or under 150ml.
You will also not be able to return containers bought before February 1, 2024, as they will not have the Re-turn logo.
Containers can be returned to any shop that sells drink containers with the Re-turn logo.
You don’t have to return a container to the same shop it was bought from.
There will be two ways to return containers.
Either via a reverse vending machine (RVM), or manually over the counter in a shop.
To get your money back from a RVM you must make sure your containers are empty and undamaged with the barcode clearly visible. Do not crush cans.
Insert containers into the machine, and it will read their barcodes to confirm whether they are eligible for the scheme.
A voucher will then be issued for the number of containers returned.
This voucher can be presented at the shop till in exchange for a cash refund, or store credit.
This voucher can only be redeemed in the same store as where the return was carried out.