ONCE UPON A time, having a big bag of cans was a sure sign that you were on your way to a cracking night out.
Now, if you’re going through town with a big bag of cans, the likelihood is that you’re on your way to the nearest Reverse Vending Machine to make use of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
The Deposit Return Scheme has grown exponentially since it was first launched on 1 February, and usage continues to expand month after month. Already the effects of our efforts to recycle are being noticed in towns across Ireland. But that doesn’t mean that everybody is on the Re-turn hype train just yet.
Today we’re looking at the five most compelling reasons why you should be taking advantage of the Deposit Return Scheme.
1. Next generation recycling puts money back in your pocket
During the first month of its implementation, the Deposit Return Scheme took in two million containers. Since February, engagement with the scheme has exploded and a total of over 400 million items had been returned by 15 August. This has put €60,000,000 back in consumers’ pockets.
The exponential rate of increase set in almost immediately with returns jumping from two million in February to 20 million in March. Since then, returns have increased month after month, reaching a peak of 102 million containers in July.
In August, Ireland hit the milestone of returning over four million drinks containers in one day, the highest single-day return yet. Well done, Ireland!
2. It’s already producing results with cleaner streets
Since the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme, Irish towns have already shown a marked improvement in terms of littering.
In the latest Irish Business Against Litter report, published in July, 23 of 40 towns surveyed fell into the top two categories for cleanliness: either ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ or ‘Clean to European Norms’. This marks a 35% reduction in the number of towns categorised as ‘Littered’. According to the survey, there’s been a nearly 30% drop in the numbers of can-related litter, with plastic bottle litter also less common than before.
3. It’s a more effective way to recycle than the dry mixed recycling bin
By now, most people are probably familiar with the sight of a RVM (or reverse-vending machine). The primary appeal of the RVMs is that they are fun to use, because what’s not to love about putting your cans onto a conveyor belt and watching them be whisked away all while being paid for the privilege?
However, the RVM also has marked advantages over the traditional dry mixed recycling bin. With RVMs there is no risk of cross-contamination. RVMs facilitate the taking in of high quality recyclate, such as plastic bottles which can be recycled up to seven times and cans which can be recycled indefinitely.
4. It’s working in many other European countries
Ireland became the 15th European country to implement a Deposit Return Scheme earlier this year, and there are very positive signs from the other countries where such schemes are in place.
In Finland for example, which has operated a return scheme since 1996, the collection rate for polyethylene terephthalate – which fizzy drink bottles are made from - is 97%. Other similarly high rates can be seen in countries like Iceland and Denmark, who have had the scheme since 1989 and 2002 respectively.
On the other end of the spectrum, countries that are yet to implement such a scheme are lagging behind. In France, where no such scheme is in place, collection of PET bottles stands at just 47%. England, where legislation has been adopted but won’t be implemented until 2027, has a return rate of 59%.
5. It’s best for circular economy initiatives
At its core, the Deposit Return Scheme is about valuing resources and ensuring we move away from throwaway culture and towards one of valuing our resources and re-using as much as possible By ensuring the correct separation of recyclable materials, the Irish economy is able to retain more reusable materials – thus saving on production costs, energy costs, and relieving pressure on resources such as water, the production of virgin plastic, and limiting pollution. Similarly, the scheme will cut into carbon dioxide emissions by requiring less energy to collect and recycle the containers. There are no shortage of reasons to make the Deposit Return Scheme work for you, and for Ireland.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say