New Deposit Return Scheme launched for bottles and cans

This week, Green Party Minister for the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth launched Ireland’s national Deposit Return Scheme.

The Deposit Return Scheme aims to boost the recycling rate for drinks bottles and cans by charging a small, refundable deposit for each plastic bottle or can. A 15c deposit will apply to cans and bottles up to 500ml and 25c on larger bottles. Customers can get this money back when they return their drinks bottle or can to a retailer of collection point to be recycled.

This Deposit Return Scheme is a great way to incentivise recycling, so that used bottles and cans can be re-used to make new drinks containers. This exciting new circular economy initiative, launched by Ossian, will save materials, energy and reduce litter on our streets – all while helping us to meet our recycling targets.