Bottles banked

THE Deposit Return Scheme is to include a new feature that will allow customers to transfer money into an account, as it hits two billion returns.

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Almost two years after the scheme was launched, Climate Minister Darragh O'Brien spoke about its criticisms, hopes for the future and accessibility issues in a wide-ranging interview with the this newspaper.

The Minister also discussed Ireland's position in not meeting its greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2030, and why he thinks the country still cares about the climate despite the Greens being decimated in the last general election.

Since the scheme was launched in February 2023, all plastic bottles and aluminium cans are now subject to a refundable deposit of 15c or 25c, which can be collected by bringing empty containers to reverse vending machines located at retail stores.

Customers receive a receipt after depositing their cans and bottles which can be exchanged for cash in the shop. However, in an increasingly cashless society, Mr O'Brien said an account system is underway.

He added: “The account could be directly paid into either your bank account or a deposit return account that you could use in various shops. If you go to Dunnes you put it back into Dunnes or SuperValu or wherever else.”

The scheme has been hit by controversy, as customers have complained that machines weren't accepting bottles, while disabled people have spoken out about accessibility issues.

FUNDS