The Deposit Return Scheme is a refundable deposit for retailers that is placed on plastic bottles, aluminum or steel cans that feature the Re-turn logo, which is then refunded to the consumer when they return their bottles and cans for recycling. The aim of a DRS is to increase recycling rates and reduce drinks container litter. Described as a ‘circular economy initiative’, the Scheme aims to incentivize consumers to recycle single use containers.
The scheme will help to tackle the estimated one billion plastic bottles and 1.6 million aluminium cans that are thought to currently end up in landfills/incinerators or littered in the environment (Source: Voice Ireland).