Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
103. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with smaller independent retailers regarding their concerns about the deposit return scheme and how it will operate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3418/24]
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 place a legal obligation on all retailers who sell in-scope beverages to register with Re-turn, the DRS operator, and to charge their customers a deposit for every in-scope drink sold, to take back the empty drink container and to refund the deposit when it is returned for recycling.
Re-turn, since their appointment in July 2022, have been engaging directly with retailers and representative bodies, such as the one mentioned in your question, to prepare them for DRS. A retailer roadshow (comprising 11 locations around the country) was completed last summer. Re-turn have also held numerous meetings, webinars and workshops and have published comprehensive guidance and useful information for retailers on their website at www.re-turn.ie/retailer. A national communications campaign is also underway.
All retailers will receive a handling fee from Re-turn for providing a take-back service. Handling fees are intended to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security. In addition to handling fees, a number of other supports are in place to assist small retailers, including exemptions from take-back services and financial support for the installation of Reverse Vending Machines. Details of these supports, as well as other useful information to help retailers prepare for DRS, is available on Re-turn’s website. Re-turn are available to assist any retailer with the registration process and can be contacted at retailer@re-turn.ie. I would encourage any retailer who has not yet engaged with Re-turn to do so as soon as possible.
