Deposit return scheme for cans and plastic bottles to come into effect next year

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has signed regulations for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans, which will come into force in Ireland next year.

The new system aims to incentivise customers to return their empty beverage containers for recycling or reuse - though the rate of the deposit to be paid on bottles and cans has not yet been decided.

It's hoped that the introduction of the scheme will assist in reducing single-use plastics, help Ireland meet EU targets, and promote a wider circular economy.

The legislative regulations which were signed by Minister Ryan provide the framework within which the Minister may approve a scheme operator. The regulations also set out the obligations that will fall to producers, retailers and return point operators under the scheme.

In drafting the regulations, Minister Ryan's Department has worked closely with representatives from the beverage industry who will fund and operate the scheme.

A commitment to establish a DRS was part of the Programme for Government and the timeline for its establishment was set out in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020.

The next step is the appointment, by the Minister, of an approved body to operate the scheme. Further engagement is also required with stakeholders, to fix the rate of the deposit to be paid on in-scope bottles and cans.

The scheme is expected to become operational across the country in the third quarter of 2022.