Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
203. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if we will address the disadvantage smaller businesses are facing with deposit return scheme machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67236/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was established to run primarily on a return-to-retail model. There are currently over 3,700 retail return points, about 75% of which are Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), providing a high level of coverage across the country. To date, just over 2.1 billion containers have been returned through retail collection points. Retailers can avail of exemptions from participating in the scheme and the terms and conditions of these exemptions can be found on the Re-turn website here: https://re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/Take-Back-Exemptions.pdf.
Re-turn has advised that there are currently 2,814 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) installed across Ireland, including 8 bulk machines installed more recently.
All retailers receive a handling fee from Re-turn, the DRS operator for providing a take-back service. Handling fees are intended to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security. The level of handling fee payable is determined by Re-turn and is subject to independent, third-party verification.
In October 2024, Re-turn launched a RVM Grant Scheme to assist small retailers. The purpose of the scheme is to help offset the cost of purchasing and operating RVMs. Eligible retailers can receive up to €12,000 per RVM, distributed over a three-year period, depending on the machine's usage and availability. The grant is intended for retailers whose RVMs processed 250,000 or fewer containers per year, with a minimum availability threshold of 80%. The scheme supports both existing RVMs and the introduction of new machines, particularly in areas where coverage is currently low. To date, 1,161 applications have been received under this scheme, applications remain open until 31 Dec for those who purchased RVMs prior to Nov 2024.
In June 2025, Re-turn launched the Bulk Stimulus Program to encourage retailers to invest in Bulk RVMs to improve the container return experience for consumers. These machines are particularly important for the easy return of containers by sports and community groups who deal in large volumes of materials and who have contributed significantly to the success of the scheme. The Bulk Stimulus Program is for all retailers. Approximately 30 retailers, a mix of small and large, have expressed an interest in the program. Retailers can apply to be part of the program any time before 31 December 2025.
