Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
9. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason grant applications for reverse vending machines have been closed; and whether grants will reopen for new businesses wishing to take part in this scheme. [15300/26]
View answerRe-turn is a producer-led and owned, not-for-profit company established by beverage producers to meet their obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations.
Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the Deposit Return Scheme, including grants for Reverse Vending Machines (RVM).
Re-turn has advised that the RVM Grant Scheme was established as a targeted measure to assist eligible small and medium sized retailers with the upfront cost of purchasing an RVM, offering grant support of up to €12,000 paid over 3 years. The scheme was open for applications until 31 December 2025 and was designed to accelerate the early national rollout of return infrastructure under the Deposit Return Scheme. Uptake on the grants was significant, and almost 700 retailers have been approved or have already received their initial payment under the scheme.
The grant scheme was not intended to operate on an open-ended basis, but rather to support rapid infrastructure rollout during the early phase of the Deposit Return Scheme. At present, there are no plans to reopen the RVM grant scheme for new applicants. New businesses can participate in the scheme by installing an RVM on a commercial basis or using manual take-back.
Re-turn continues to support retailers in meeting their statutory obligations and in expanding access to convenient return points nationwide. The need for grant support will be kept under review as the scheme progresses towards its 2029 collection targets.
