You know those fancy new-looking recycling machines you’ve seen popping up at your local Lidl, Aldi, EuroSpar, petrol station and the likes? They’re all about to spring into action next month as Ireland’s deposit return scheme gets underway.
From 1 February, any drink or item bought in a plastic bottle or aluminium can that features the new Re-turn logo will be subject to a fully refundable deposit, in addition to the price of the drink. The idea is that you pay the deposit, then when you’re finished, bring the empty cans and bottles – undamaged – back to the shop you bought them from or any participating outlet.
If you return them using a reverse vending machine, you’ll get a voucher that can be redeemed at the till against store purchases, or as a cash refund. If it’s going over the counter, then retailers have to check that the drinks container includes the Re-turn logo and is undamaged before providing a refund. Deposits – and subsequent refunds – come in at €0.15 for containers sized 150ml-500ml and €0.25 from 500ml to 3 litres. A map will be available on re-turn.ie from 1 February to show all participating venues nationwide with deposit return points.
If you’re hoping to cash in on your existing recycling lot at home, drinks and cans, the advice is don’t. Existing bottles and cans won’t have the Re-turn logo on their packaging, meaning they’re not eligible for the scheme. Also excluded from 1 February will be any dairy products like milk or yoghurt cartons and drinks, steel and tin cans that contain foodstuffs and containers for cleaning supplies. Glass drinks containers are also excluded and should continue to be recycled as usual at your nearest bring centre or bottle bank.
If you’re curious, it’s worth going through the re-turn.ie website to find out more.
