Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
261. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the body or bodies responsible for ensuring that retail outlets operating reverse vending machines under the deposit return scheme for plastic and aluminium bottles and cans are fully operational and that the associated receptacles are emptied on a regular and timely basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4275/26]
View answerUnder the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations, 2024 retailers that sell in-scope beverage containers are legally responsible for providing a take-back service to consumers, unless they have been granted an exemption on the grounds of premises size. This includes ensuring that the return point, which may be a reverse vending machine (RVM) provided by the retailer, is operational and available to customers during normal trading hours.
Re-turn has advised, that where a retailer operates an RVM, the retailer remains responsible for the day-to-day operation of that return point, including ensuring that the machine can accept containers, that associated receptacles are managed appropriately, and that full machines are emptied and prepared for collection.
Re-turn, as scheme operator, plays an active role in supporting retailers to meet these obligations. This includes overseeing the overall availability of RVM infrastructure nationwide, store visits, education manuals, managing contractual arrangements with approved RVM suppliers, and coordinating maintenance and technical support processes to minimise downtime and ensure machines are returned to service as quickly as possible where issues arise.
Re-turn also provides operational guidance to retailers, arranges collections through contracted logistics providers, and monitors scheme performance to support a consistent and reliable consumer experience across the retail network with a high average RVM availability.
Local authorities have enforcement responsibilities as set out in Regulation 19 of the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations, 2024. This includes enforcement of obligations on return point operators under Regulation 15 of those Regulations.
