635 Million Plastic Bottles and Cans Returned Through Deposit Return Scheme, New Data Reveals
Dublin: The Deposit Return Scheme in Ireland has seen 635 million plastic bottles and aluminium cans returned since its launch in February, equating to €110 million in deposits refunded to customers. In August alone, 112 million containers were returned, representing 73% of those placed on the market that month. This growing participation places Ireland on track to meet its EU collection targets of 77% by 2025 and 90% by 2029.
The scheme’s impact is already evident, with a 30% reduction in discarded cans and a 20% drop in plastic bottles, according to the Irish Business Against Litter survey. Coastwatch also reported fewer plastic bottles and cans washing up on Irish shores. Minister of State Ossian Smyth praised the public’s swift adaptation, emphasising the scheme’s positive environmental effects.
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, highlighted the scheme’s grassroots success in fundraising efforts but acknowledged that further progress is needed to ensure long-term sustainability.
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