Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
144. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the deposit return scheme, due to come into effect from 1 February, will pertain to vintners and pubs; and if he will ensure that guidance is issued to operators of the same in advance of the scheme roll out. [1930/24]
View answerA national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans and to ensure we meet our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those containers under EU Single Use Plastics and Packaging legislation.
The DRS Regulations, signed in November 2021, place obligations on all operators who supply or sell beverages on the Irish market, including vintners and pubs.
Re-turn, since their appointment as the DRS operator in July 2022, have been engaging directly with the beverage industry through meetings, webinars and workshops and have published guidance for producers, wholesalers and retailers on their website at www.re-turn.ie.
Businesses can also subscribe for updates on the Re-turn website or by emailing info@re-rurn.ie.
I would encourage any vintners or pub owners who have not yet engaged with Re-turn to do so as soon as possible.
