Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
142. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to a mobile app which will streamline the process in relation to the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2844/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA 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.
Mobile apps, to scan a barcode and verify that the product is registered with DRS, are being considered by Re-turn, the DRS operator, but the use of such apps would be supplementary to existing labelling requirements.
Under the DRS Regulations, all DRS products must be labelled in the manner prescribed by the DRS operator. DRS operate successfully in over 40 countries around the world, including 15 in Europe, and the inclusion of mandatory, labelling requirements is a key design feature of these schemes.
Clear labelling makes it easier for consumers and retailers to identify products which are covered by DRS and it reduces the risk of deposit fraud (e.g. where a beverage is purchased in one jurisdiction without a deposit and returned in a neighbouring jurisdiction where a refund is obtained). The risk of this type of fraud is much higher where there is a jurisdiction in close proximity which does not have a DRS, as is the case here with Northern Ireland.
Guidelines on the use of a national logo were published by Re-Turn in February 2023, followed by a Labelling Manual in April 2023. This provided all operators with easy access to Re-Turn’s design and printing specifications to enable them to update their packaging in advance of the introduction of DRS. An alternative option is available, in the form of a sticker, to supplement rather than replace existing packaging, for small-scale operators or operators who do not have control over their packaging.
