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QUIZ: How much do you know about Ireland's new Deposit Return Scheme?
A deposit return scheme is now live in Ireland, and we’re here to tell you all about it.
A NEW INITIATIVE in Ireland will see a dramatic reduction in litter and an increase in the amount of plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans we recycle.
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been introduced this month which will add a small deposit fee on cans and bottles that can be refunded to the customer once the container is returned.
From February 1, when you buy a drink in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can that features the Re-turn logo, you pay a small refundable deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When you’re finished, simply bring back your empty, undamaged drinks container to any participating shop or supermarket nationwide to get your full deposit refund.
To prevent waste, for a limited period, from February 1 there will be some stock of plastic bottles and cans that may not feature the Re-turn logo. Should consumers be charged a deposit on these drinks containers, please be assured that you will get your deposit back when you return to RVM Deposit Return Points nationwide
For drink containers with a 150ml to 500ml capacity, the deposit fee is 15c. For containers sized between 500mls and 3 litres containers, it costs 25c.
With the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme, Ireland has joined the likes of Germany and Sweden, who operate similar schemes. The scheme aligns with other circular economy initiatives in Ireland that aim to move away from the ‘take, make and dispose’ culture to one of returning valuable materials and keeping them in the economy for as long as possible.
Currently, Ireland uses 1.9 billion bottles and cans a year. As things stand, not enough of these are being recycled, meaning we are behind on EU recycling targets for 2025 and 2030.
Deposit return schemes have been successful in reducing litter across different countries, with the simple incentive motivating more consumers to recycle. You can still use your green bin to recycle drinks containers, but the return scheme is a more effective way of recycling. It creates a closed loop system that guarantees the proper return and recycling of plastic, aluminium and steel into new drinks containers.
To celebrate the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme, we’ve put together a quiz to test your knowledge of all things recycling. It will also teach the do’s and don’ts of taking part in the return scheme.
Find out more about the Deposit Return Scheme here.
What percentage of plastic bottles and cans are currently being collected for recycling?
Approximately 90%
Approximately 80%
Approximately 60%
Approximately 50%
Can glass be returned as part of the scheme?
Yes
No
How much is the deposit fee for plastic bottles and aluminium cans?
15c - 150ml to 500ml, 25c - 500ml to 3 litres
€1 euro for all containers
50c - 150ml to 500ml, 1 - 500ml to 3 litres
Do I have a choice how my deposit is returned?
Yes, you can get it back as a voucher to spend in that store or cash
No
Not sure
Do I have to remove the lid when returning my plastic bottle?
No, you can return it with or without the lid on
Yes, you can recycle the lid elsewhere
What drinks containers are included in the new Deposit Return Scheme?
Plastic bottles or aluminium cans
Shampoo bottles
Glass containers
You scored out of !
Bottled it
You left some answers behind today. We suggest visiting re-turn.ie to brush up on your recycling knowledge.
You scored out of !
Plastic fan
Decent effort, but still room for improvement. You can visit re-turn.ie to brush up on your recycling knowledge.
You scored out of !
You can do it!
Well done! Great job with your answers. Visit re-turn.ie to learn more about the deposit return scheme.
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