Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2024
74. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what options are available to home bound individuals, who get their food shopping delivered to their home, to return their recyclable items under the deposit return scheme. [3342/24]
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 ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those containers under Single Use Plastics legislation.
DRS primarily operates on a return-to-retail model, where consumers bring empty containers to recoup their deposit. Under the DRS Regulations, retailers are obliged to provide a take-back facility and to ensure that the facility is accessible to all customers. It is my understanding that retailers who provide home delivery services will support their customers who need assistance in returning containers.
Furthermore, Re-turn, the DRS operator, has committed to continually review accessibility practices considering the needs of consumers and this includes the early convening of a consultative group to ensure the concerns of all parties, in particular those with accessibility challenges, are heard and addressed.
