Deposit Return Scheme to launch on February 1

Supermarkets are preparing for the launch of the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on February 1 with reverse vending machines now installed in the majority of supermarkets.

From February 1, 2024, when you buy a drink featuring the Re-turn logo, you will be charged a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink.

The drinks containers included in the scheme are PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between 150mls and 3 litres.

A deposit of 15c will apply to containers from 150ml to 500ml inclusive and a deposit of 25c for containers over 500mls to 3 litres inclusive.

From February 1, when you purchase a drink featuring the Re-turn logo and pay your deposit fee, you will get a full refund on returning the empty, undamaged container to any retail outlet that sells drinks with the Re-turn logo.

Consumers may return containers to a retailer that takes them back over the counter (manual), or through the use of a a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).

If returning to an RVM, you must insert all Re-turn drinks containers as instructed and you will then be issued with a voucher which may be redeemed at the till. Vouchers issued from an RVM must be redeemed at the same retail outlet.

All eligible drinks containers will display the Re-turn logo, making it easy to identify what is included in the Deposit Return Scheme. Drinks containers must be returned empty and undamaged.

Retailers may opt for either manual return or for automatic collection, through Reverse Vending Machines. It is not compulsory for any retailer to have a reverse vending machine.

Meanwhile, supermarket chain Aldi says that reverse vending machines have now been installed across all 161 of their stores in anticipation of the scheme going live on February 1, representing an investment of over €15 million by the discount retailer.

As part of the national DRS programme, any retailer that sells ‘in scope’ products is obliged to accept returns of empty, undamaged drinks containers featuring the Re-turn logo.

As part of its national rollout, ALDI has installed reverse vending machines at all 161 stores nationwide, of which 71 will be installed externally at covered DRS units, with internal DRS kiosks being installed at all remaining stores.

Aldi says it expects to facilitate the recycling of approximately 240 million empty bottles and cans per year through its DRS machines.

As part of its nationwide launch, Colin Breslin, Managing Director of Buying & Services Aldi Ireland said: “We are delighted here at Aldi to be a part of this scheme, which aligns with our pursuit of waste reduction and nurturing a circular economy. The project represents an upfront cost of over €15m, which is further evidence of our commitment to sustainability.”

“I would encourage people to embrace this initiative from the get-go and to remind customers that Aldi will accept empty drinks items, either plastic bottles or aluminium cans, from any retailer once they have the Re-turn logo on the product in question.”

Tesco Ireland said it will have state-of-the-art machines located inside all Tesco stores across the county, making returns more accessible, and comfortable, for customers to engage with DRS, particularly during the winter months.

Tesco gave the following tips:

Top tips for using DRS

*Do not crush cans or bottles. Containers must be undamaged to get your refund.

*Make sure containers are empty and keep the lids on bottles.

*No dairy product bottles or food cans can be put in machine – only drinks bottles and cans.

*Look for the Re-Turn logo on the container – otherwise it will be rejected by the machine.

*Follow the instructions or ask a member of staff to help you.

*Coupons are accepted at all tills or can be refunded at the Customer Service Desk.

Further information can be found on Re-turn’s website: https://re-turn.ie/