Tipperary County Council is reminding the public that Ireland will soon be introducing a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles, aluminium or steel cans.
From the 1st February 2024, drinks that are sold in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can that features the Re-turn logo will include a deposit in addition to the price of the drink.
The drinks containers included in the scheme are PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between 150mls and 3 litres.
A deposit of 15c will apply to containers from 150ml to 500ml and a deposit of 25c for containers over 500mls to 3 litres. Retailers have until July to switch over their stock to items with the Re-Turn Logo.
Machines are being installed in local retail outlets to enable the customer to return the empty, undamaged container to any retailer in the scheme to recover their deposit in full. SuperValu Tipperary has installed it’s machine in the lobby area.
Consumers may return containers to a retailer that takes them back over the counter or through the use of a Reverse Vending Machine.
The scheme is to help increase Ireland’s recycling rates and is also expected to contribute to less litter. Consumers are advised not to flatten their containers as this may make it impossible for the machines to scan the code on the container.
Opponents of the Scheme are highlighting that the Scheme will increase costs for consumers if they fail to return the container to redeem the deposit with family pack purchases a particular cause for concern in respect of the extra cost to consumers.
