Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
10. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what engagement he has had with local authorities to make the deposit return scheme available in civic amenity sites nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4350/24]
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.
DRS will primarily operate on a return-to-retail model, where consumers bring empty containers back to a retailer to recoup their deposit. The DRS scheme also allows for other, non-retail operators to provide take-back facilities. Developing these facilities will commence following the go-live phase of the scheme.
My Department has engaged with the local government sector and a number of local authorities have expressed an interest in installing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at civic amenity sites as part of the next phase of the scheme's development.
