In the first seven months of operation, a total of 635 million plastic bottles and aluminum cans were returned to the deposit return scheme.
This is clear, according to new data from the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
This corresponds to a deposit of €110 million being returned to customers. The recovery rate in August represented 73% of all containers placed on the market that month.
The deposit refund system for plastic bottles and cans started in early February of this year.
In the first month, only 2 million ships, or 2%, were sent back for recovery.
Seven months later, the number of containers returned each month has increased by 56 times.
In August, the number of beverage containers reached a maximum of 112 million, accounting for 73% of the month’s sales volume.
This means that a total of €19 million in deposits were returned to customers in August.
The rate of public engagement in the scheme puts Ireland on track to meet the EU’s collection target of 77% by the end of 2025, and the higher target of 90% by 2029.
The first four months are considered a period of getting used to the system.
During that time, a total of 153 million beverage containers were returned.
The total amount returned in the first three months after the retention period ended was twice that amount.
Currently, the average monthly fee regularly exceeds the deposit refund for 100 million bottles and cans, or approximately 18 million euros.
The latest Irish Business to Litter survey results, published in June, showed that the scheme would result in 30% fewer drinks cans thrown away and 20% fewer plastic bottles thrown on the streets.
In recent weeks, Coastwatch has reported that since the introduction of the scheme, there has been a significant reduction in the number of plastic bottles and aluminum cans washing up on Irish beaches.
Coastwatch reported a significant reduction in containers washing up on Irish coastlines
Ossian Smith, Minister of State for the Environment, Climate and Communications, who has specific responsibility for the circular economy, said he was pleased to see Irish people quickly adapting to the deposit return scheme and the habit of bringing in empty containers. Ta. Return to retailer.
He said achieving such a rate of return was a major achievement and demonstrated the confidence Irish people had in the system.
“We knew it would work, and this data provides a very early sign of progress. It’s already reducing waste and keeping these recyclable containers out of landfills. By doing so, we are making a positive impact on Ireland’s environment. This is an eternal plan, but we cannot rest on our laurels.”
Ciaran Foley, chief executive of Re-Turn, the company that runs the scheme, said August’s figures showed how far the scheme had come in terms of participation and support.
“It is particularly pleasing to see how the scheme is taking off at a grassroots level, with local communities and charities using the scheme for fundraising. But we are still at the beginning. , there is still much work to be done.
“Early momentum is promising, but we are focused on building long-term success. We look forward to making even more positive impacts.”
The recovery rate reported for this scheme is calculated as the amount of containers collected for recycling as a proportion of the total amount of containers placed on the Irish market.
The term “marketed” refers to the number of bottles and cans that are not actually sold, but are made available for sale or distribution by the producer.
