Over €1.2m refunded to consumers availing of Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)

Around €1.2m has been refunded to consumers who are availing of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in six weeks of being introduced. 

The scheme sees people pay a small tax of 15c to 25c on bottles or cans with a Re-Turn logo, depending on their size. When a consumers holds on to them empty and undamaged, they can return them to reverse vending-machines and claim the 15c or 25c back. 

As a result, €1.2m has been refunded nationwide to those embracing the new way of recycling. 

Almost seven million cans and bottles have been returned since the beginning of the scheme. That makes for about 3.6m cans and 3.4m plastic bottles.

The scheme has been operating in participating stores since February 1. Data showing the percentage that were sold last month and were returned will become available at the end of March.

Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan said that feedback from the scheme has been “largely positive” but “some issues are being reported”.

According to the Department, “As expected, returns and refunds in the first few weeks of the scheme were low - However, there has been a steady increase in the last week.”

Up until June 1, a transition period is in place to allow for the sale of old stock and the introduction of new stock with the Re-turn logo.