Time running out for businesses to prepare for Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme

Time is running out for businesses to prepare for the implementation of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) according to Reconomy, a leading international circular economy specialist providing sustainability technology, data, and services to a broad range of industries.

Two weeks today, the Scheme will go live meaning that Irish consumers purchasing a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can featuring the Re-turn logo will pay a deposit on top of the drink cost. When the empty undamaged container is returned to any participating shop or supermarket, the consumer will get a full refund of their deposit.

DRS aims to transform recycling rates in Ireland and follows hot on the heels of similar schemes being rolled out globally. The EU has set Ireland a target to separate and collect 77% of plastic beverage bottles by 2025, rising to 90% in 2029.

Businesses yet to arrange collection points now have just two weeks to take action and capitalise on what could be a significant commercial opportunity. Please reach out if your business falls under this category.