Retailers are aware that ALL beverages contained in either plastic bottles or aluminium cans sold in the Republic MUST be DRS compliant and contain the Re-Turn logo.
This has been the law since the end of May 2024, over 14 months ago.
It is truly astonishing that we continue to get reports from concerned retailers (and members of the public) regarding the practice by some outlets- chippers, vape shops, huckster stores and market traders who are selling beverages that DO NOT have the logo on them.
This has the effect of creating an economic advantage to those selling without a deposit being charged.
It also leads to abandoned containers at our return points when they are rejected by the machines, necessitating our staff having to dispose of them manually, defeating the circular economy process.
This week we were made aware of a very large chain of stores, an ethnic cash and carry and an online office supplies company carrying out a sale of beverages without abiding by their legal obligations.
Local Authorities need to enforce compliance much more diligently and protect the majority of law-abiding retailers.
