A total of 635 million drinks containers have been returned so far, as part of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), according to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
RTÉ reported the latest figures, stating that they equate to €110 million in deposits returned to customers to date.
The collection rate for August – some 111 million containers, according to the operator of the scheme, Re-turn – was equivalent to 73% of all containers placed on the market last month.
Changing Attitudes
Re-turn launched the DRS on 1 February this year, with two million containers returned in the first month of the scheme – a 2% return rate.
The scheme underwent a transitional period from 1 February to 31 May, while containers without the deposit applied were still sold, to clear old stock.
There were 153 million returns in this four-month period, with the amount of returns doubling in the three months following the end of the transitional phase.
Despite initial resistance and teething problems, recent figures indicate that the public is adjusting to and embracing the scheme.
This week, UK publication The Guardian published an article covering the introduction and success of the scheme so far, noting that the UK has so far not managed to launch a similar programme.
The average monthly rate of returns now exceeds 100 million, and the latest Irish Business Against Litter survey has revealed that since the scheme started, 30% fewer drinks containers have been thrown away, and there are 20% fewer plastic bottles on streets.
Coastwatch has also reported a large reduction in plastic bottles and aluminium cans washing up on Irish shores since the DRS began.
‘A Forever Scheme’
Ossian Smyth, the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for the circular economy, expressed his delight at the public’s embracing of the scheme.
Smyth said, “We knew it would work, and this data provides a very early indication of progress.
“It is already having a positive impact on the Irish environment by reducing litter and making sure these recyclable containers do not end up in landfill.”
He concluded, “This is a forever scheme, though, and we can’t rest on our laurels.”
The scheme has continued to adapt in recent months, with more machines being installed and the introduction of Return for Children, which allows consumers to return containers at events and donate the deposit to children’s charities.
The chief executive of Re-turn, Ciaran Foley, said in September, “[The DRS] is performing beyond our expectations, and it has been particularly gratifying to see how it has taken off at a grassroots level among community and charity organisations utilising the scheme for fundraising.
“We look forward to seeing the further positive effects the scheme will have over the coming months, in terms of litter prevention, community initiatives, and how it will contribute to a more sustainable Ireland.”
The scheme is helping Ireland move towards its EU targets of a 77% recycling rate by 2025, and 90% by 2029.
Read More: Re-turn Reports Over Half A Billion Containers Returned Since DRS Launch
