Kildare Cllr Says Return Scheme For Plastics Will Greatly Reduce Litter Waste

Thursday, 25 November 2021 09:34

By Caoimhe Harney

Similar deposit return schemes are already very successful in other countries around the world.

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) incentivises and rewards customers for returning plastic and aluminium containers.

It is a significant step toward lowering plastics, aluminium, and litter waste, according to Kildare Cllr Chris Pender.

This scheme will see a deposit applied at the point of sale on particular containers at first, PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans.

That deposit can be redeemed when the empty container is returned to the store to be recycled.

The Social Democrats Cllr has been campaigning for a Deposit Return Scheme or Reverse Vending Machine to be introduced within Kildare.

Cllr Pender says the international evidence shows that Deposit Refund Schemes can collect over 90% of materials for recycling.

In 2019, more than 13,000 tonnes of aluminium packaging and nearly 39,000 tonnes of recyclable plastic were sent for incineration.

Speaking on the Deposit Return Scheme regulations, Cllr Pender commented: "While it's disappointing to see the scheme not include the Glass.

“The DRS regulations are a significant step toward reducing plastic and aluminium waste by rewarding the return of plastic and aluminium containers.

"I welcome the implementation of the Government's Deposit Refund Scheme legislation as a step toward encouraging the responsible use of natural resources and the development of a robust collection and recycling system for valuable materials such as plastic and aluminium.

“However, the new DRS system must be well-managed, with safeguards in place if targets are not met,” he said.

"Many businesses may need to use 'Reverse Vending Machines,' which consumers can use to reclaim their deposit by inserting bottles and cans into the machine.

“If we want this to be available to all, Local and National Government need to be prepared to support small independent retailers in its role out. DRSs are successfully used around the world and are incredibly easy to replicate if done properly,” he concluded.