What Ireland’s initial DRS launch means for producers

Ireland’s Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, launched the first phase of the national Deposit Return Scheme by calling on producers and retailers to register with Re-turn, which was appointed to operate the scheme.

Set up by beverage producers, Re-turn is a non-profit company that has been given legal standing to establish Ireland’s DRS and manage formal engagement with producers, retailers, and other operators.

Ireland’s DRS is being enforced to boost recycling rates of the estimated 1.9 billion drinks bottles and cans consumed nationally, by charging a refundable deposit for each plastic bottle or can. The Scheme will include PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between 150ml and 3 litres. A deposit of 15c will apply to containers 500mls or less and a deposit of 25c for each container above 500ml.

With registrations now open, all producers and retailers are legally obligated to register with Re-turn to fulfil their environmental and legislative responsibilities.

Although the full scope of reporting requirements for producers and retailers has not been made clear, Ireland’s government confirms that the focus of the DRS implementation over the course of 2023, will be around the development of complex IT, infrastructure and communication systems, which will be delivered by Re-turn. The planned ‘go-live’ date of the DRS for consumers is February 2024.

If you are a producer or retailer placing drinks containers on the market in the Republic of Ireland, register now with Re-turn by clicking this link.