Money-back can and bottle scheme ‘to go live in February’

‘Reverse vending machines’ that give users refunds when they return empty bottles and drinks cans are expected to go live in February of 2024, members of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad learned at their June monthly meeting.

However, they were told, it will not be the responsibility of the local authorities to install vending machines or manage the scheme.

The subject was raised by way of a notice of motion by Cllr Denis Leonard. Noting that the government have removed the need for planning permission “for such essential sustainable infrastructure”, he asked that the district give an update on plans and locations for installing reverse vending machines and other resulting initiatives in the Mullingar Kinnegad municipal district.

Setting out the position, the executive stated that the deposit return scheme was officially launched by Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy Ossian Smyth on November 28 of last year.

“The deposit return scheme aims to boost the recycling rate for drinks containers by charging a small, refundable deposit for each plastic bottle or can,” the response continued, explaining that the scheme will include PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between 150ml and three litres.

The scheme is to be operated by Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG, trading as Re-turn, who Minister Smyth appointed in July 2022.

“All producers and retailers are legally obliged to register with Re-turn. Re-Turn are currently working with all producers and retailers in the national rollout and registration,” the reply said.

Cllr Leonard, who said he had been pushing for recycling facilities for a long time, said his view was that even though such facilities are now planning-exempt, that did not mean the council could wash their hands of responsibility for fostering their provision.

“So what I’m asking you is that we’d be active in pursuing facilities,” he said, adding that it was important that these be provided in rural areas as well as urban.

“It should be as easy as possible for the deposit return scheme to work,” he added.