New Deposit Return Scheme for cans and bottles live today - what's it all about?

The Government's new Deposit Return Scheme that will see shoppers paying more at the tills for plastic bottles and cans is now live across Ireland.

Shoppers will pay between 15c and 25c extra on cans and bottles and will get that money back by way of a voucher when they return their empty cans and bottles to one of hundreds of Deposit Return Scheme machines at stores around the country.

The Government says the Deposit Return Scheme is "a key commitment of the Programme for Government 2020, and is a fundamental building block of a circular economy."

About 5 million drinks are consumed in single-use containers in Ireland each day.

"As well as boosting recycling rates, the Deposit Return Scheme will significantly reduce the number of bottles and cans being littered or sent to landfill or incineration," according to the Government.

How does the Deposit Return Scheme work for customers?

From today, February 1, 2024, when you buy a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can with the Re-turn logo, you will pay a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When you return your empty, undamaged drinks container to any participating retail outlet, you get your deposit back in full. A deposit of 15 cents will apply to containers from 150ml to 500mls, while a deposit of 25 cents will apply to containers between 500ml and 3 litres.

Welcoming the launch of the new scheme, Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth said:

“I am delighted to launch our national Deposit Return Scheme today. This is an exciting, new initiative which will boost recycling rates, greatly reduce litter, and improve the environment. It will get bottles and cans off our roadsides and beaches and contribute to the circular economy by turning waste drinks containers into new bottles and cans.

“We know deposit return schemes work — they operate effectively in over 40 countries around the world, including 15 in Europe, where the average EU collection rate is 92%. By giving these containers a financial value, it incentivises consumers to return them. I think people in Ireland will really get behind this scheme and make it a great success; we saw this with the introduction of the plastic bag levy and the Euro.

“The Deposit Return Scheme is a once-in-a-generation development for the Irish beverage industry. I want to acknowledge the collaboration and the leadership industry has shown in establishing a complex new system in a relatively short timeframe. I would also like to recognise the smaller businesses who have opted into the scheme. They can be assured of my ongoing support in making the scheme work for local businesses and communities.”