Most Plastic From Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme Shipped Abroad, Not Recycled Locally

Monday, 26 May 2025 13:22

By Martin Osborne

The scheme, which requires consumers to pay a refundable deposit on beverage containers, was introduced as part of a broader push toward a circular economy and environmental sustainability.

Most of the plastic collected through Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme is being sent overseas for processing rather than being recycled domestically.

Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has criticised the situation, calling it a “scandal.”

The scheme, which requires consumers to pay a refundable deposit on beverage containers, was introduced as part of a broader push toward a circular economy and environmental sustainability.

However, concerns have emerged about the final destination of the returned plastic.

By June, the scheme is expected to have collected around 17,000 tonnes of plastic.

Of that, only 3,400 tonnes - approximately 12% - will be recycled within Ireland, according to data cited by Carthy.

The remaining 88% is reportedly being exported for recycling abroad.

Re-Turn, the organisation managing the scheme, has responded to the criticism, stating that the current reliance on export is due to a lack of domestic infrastructure.

A spokesperson told The Journal that recycling plastic bottles into new, food-grade containers is not yet economically viable in Ireland.

They added that the country currently lacks the necessary facilities to fully recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans into containers suitable for reuse in the beverage industry.