Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
82. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement of having the deposit return logo on a can for recycling is really necessary if each item can be traced by the barcode alone; and if he will comment on the claim that this is an unnecessary restriction on trade. [20429/24]
View answerDeposit Return Schemes (DRS) operate successfully in over 40 countries around the world, including 15 in Europe. The inclusion of mandatory, national labelling requirements is an essential design feature of these schemes. Clear labelling maximises understanding and minimises fraud. The DRS logo allows consumers, retailers and enforcement authorities readily identify which products are in the scope of the scheme.Not every drinks container is eligible in Ireland's DRS. Only drinks containers in PET plastic bottles, aluminium & steel cans from 150ml to 3 litres are included. All drinks containers included in the Scheme will feature the Re-turn logo. Items that are not included in the deposit return scheme include: • Any dairy drinks products in plastic containers or cartons e.g. milk, yogurt drinks• Steel and tin cans that contain foodstuffs
