The Deposit Return Scheme, a new nationwide initiative to encourage people to return used drinks containers for recycling, comes into effect today, reports RTE.
The scheme involves a deposit of 15 cents for drinks up to 500ml and 25 cents for drinks above 500ml, which will be refunded in full when the empty, undamaged drink container is returned to a reverse vending machine in a retail outlet.
Under the scheme, people who do not return used drinks containers undamaged will lose between 15 and 25 cents on each container, reports RTE.
The aim of the initiative is to significantly increase recycling rates, and eliminate the issue of waste drink containers on roadsides and beaches.
According to the Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, the scheme will turn used drinks containers into new bottles and cans, and help reduce litter in the environment.
Currently, just over 60% of the two billion aluminum drink cans and plastic bottles sold in Ireland each year are returned for recycling, reports RTE.
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