Peter Burke
Ceist:143. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what supports are available for small and medium sized businesses to implement the deposit return scheme. [2845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 January 2024
Ceisteanna (143)
Freagraí scríofa
A 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 also place obligations on retailers 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.
All retailers will receive a handling fee from Re-turn (the DRS operator) for providing a take-back service. Handling fees are intended to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security. The level of handling fee payable is determined by Re-turn and is subject to independent, third-party verification.
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 at https://re-turn.ie/retailer/ or by contacting Re-turn at retailer@re-turn.ie.