'Collecting bottles and cans for money could be a good incentive' - Ballyshannon retailer

A new scheme which is expected to encourage people to recycle their drinks bottles and cans has been welcomed by a Ballyshannon retailer. 

Under the new scheme anyone who buys a drink will pay a small deposit for the plastic bottle or can container. However, they will have the opportunity to get their money back when they return the container to a retailer or other collection point to be recycled.

The Deposit Return Scheme which is to be introduced in February 2024 will benefit the environment, Rory O’Neill, of Pearse O’Neill’s shop, in Ballyshannon said. 

“It is a good incentive and will make people more conscious of the environment,” he said. 

Many years ago, a similar such scheme was employed where people could bring glass bottles back to their local shops for money. The incentive is not one that Rory himself was familiar with but he does recall people talking about it in the shop. 

“They’re the kind of stories I heard of as a boy,” he said. 

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Pearse O’Neill’s shop has been established since November 18, 1949. Among the favourites in the shop is the ice cream and the quarter of sweets.

Mr O’Neill says that collecting cans and bottles for a financial return could be a valuable lesson for younger generations. 

The deposit is set to be 15 cents for cans or bottles of up to 500ml and 25 cents above 500ml. Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said bottles and cans can be returned to any relevant shop, not just where the drinks were purchased. Options on return machines will include choosing to spend the money in the shop, receiving cash, or donating to charity.