One year after its launch, Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being debated. While proponents highlight increased recycling rates and the diversion of waste from incineration, critics argue that the added inconvenience outweighs the benefits. The scheme adds a deposit to drinks containers, encouraging consumers to return them for a refund. However, concerns remain about the lack of transparency regarding the number of unreturned bottles and cans, and the operational challenges of the reverse vending machines.
As we approach the one year anniversary of the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme – has it been a success or a bit of a nuisance?The Deposit Return Scheme , which was introduced in February 2024, adds the cost of a deposit to drink bottles and cans, depending on the size of the can or bottle.Consumers can then bring the empty containers back to designated machines where they receive the deposit back in the form of a voucher.
“I don't know why but I think if the scheme was so successful, we should have been knowing both figures all along.” “Those of us who were putting our returnables, as I think they are called now, our bottles and cans, into the green bins, we are the ones who were doing it all along. A worker demonstrates a Deposit Return Scheme Reverse Vending Machine in a Marks & Spencer supermarket in Dublin, 1-2-34. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk
Mr Gibbons said instead of this waste being incinerated, it is now being diverted “towards what's called closed loop recycling”.
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