Containers for cash: new scheme aimed incentivising recycling launched
Return Deposit Scheme is launched in Ireland. Photo: Yue Qui
People now can get a portion of the money paid for the drink back if they can return their containers: plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans, ‘undamaged’, according to the latest Deposit Return Scheme.
The scheme is aimed at, according to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, ‘incentivising people to return used drinks containers’ to recycle them into new ones.
Costs and goals
The deposit ranges between 15 cents and 25 cents per container, with the former for containers up to 500ml and the latter for those above 500ml.
Customers can only get the deposit back if they return the used containers to the retailers participating in this scheme.
The price of the drink, with containers applied to this scheme, includes the deposit and the containers will be labelled with the ‘Re-turn’ logos.
Minister of State Ossian Smyth said the scheme 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,” he said.
Consumers respond to the scheme
“I think this is a good idea,” said Lara Podgorsek, a Galway resident. “We use way too much plastics … and I think it might promote recycling if they [people who return] get something [the deposit] back.”
Others are dubious about this scheme’s effectiveness in ‘making people recycle more’. Galway interviewee Ashling said the amount of money people will get back is ‘negligible’.
However, she said she would take part in this scheme. “I care for the environment and I do take recycling seriously regardless of the deposit I get back,” she added.
According to Re-turn, the company that runs this scheme, customers who return containers through the machines will get the vouchers that must be redeemed at the same retail stores.
