Ireland launches DRS to circularize nation’s 1.9 billion annual beverage pack consumption

05 Dec 2022 --- The Republic of Ireland’s minister for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, has launched a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The DRS aims to boost the recycling rate for drink containers by charging a small, refundable deposit for each plastic bottle or can in the country. 

The scheme will include PET plastic bottles, aluminum and steel cans between 150 ml and three liters. A deposit of €0.15 (US$0.20) will apply to containers of 500 ml or less and a deposit of €0.25 (US$0.33) for each container above 500 ml.

Minister Smyth says: “The DRS is an exciting new, circular initiative which will transform how we think about empty drink bottles and cans. The refundable deposit will incentivize us to return these containers so producers can make new bottles out of old ones and new cans out of old ones, saving materials, energy and reducing litter.”

Single Use Plastics Directive compliance 
It is estimated that about 1.9 billion drinks bottles and cans are consumed each year in Ireland, in-house and “on the go.” 

The scheme will be operated by DRS Ireland CLG, branded Re-turn, which Minister Smyth appointed in July 2022. All producers and retailers are legally obliged to register with return. 

The refundable deposit will incentivize consumers to return empty containers so that materials and energy can be saved and litter reduced. “The scheme is a massive undertaking for producers and retailers and Re-turn, the producer-led company, who have shown great commitment and leadership in coming together to develop it.”

Tony Keohane, chair of DRS Ireland, adds: “We are launching the first phase of the new DRS in Ireland, and we are calling on all producers and retailers to register online.”

“Under the Single Use Plastics Directive, Ireland must ensure the separate collection of 77% of plastic beverage bottles placed on the market by 2025, rising to 90% in 2029. DRSs are a proven success in over 40 other jurisdictions around the world, including 12 in Europe, and will help us reach our recycling targets,” says Smyth. 

“We look forward to continued collaboration with producers and retailers in establishing a DRS that delivers significant environmental benefits for everyone.”

The department says it will work closely with Re-turn on the implementation of the scheme, which will start immediately with the registration of producers and retailers. The scheme is set to begin for consumers in February 2024.

DRS popularity 
Meanwhile, Scotland also announced it will implement DRS in the coming year. While the Scottish system may effectively limit single-use waste, beverage manufacturers fear it will significantly increase prices. 

From unclear parameters, producers are now left guessing the costs they will soon face. A DRS adds extra costs to certain products – typically on plastic bottles – to encourage buyers to return them and reduce material usage and waste. 

Scotland’s DRS is more aggressive than previously proposed plans and ahead of the other areas in the UK; some are pleading for those places to join. “Implementation of a UK-wide scheme should be prioritized through all four governments,” Robbie Staniforth, innovation and policy director at Ecosurety, told PackagingInsights.

Last month, Malta announced it will become the “first-ever” Mediterranean island country to implement a DRS, motivated by the country’s high tourism and lack of recycling culture. The scheme launched on November 14 aims to generate cultural change among the county’s residents, creating wider enthusiasm surrounding recycling and, in turn, increasing its recycling rates. 

Edited by Natalie Schwertheim

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