New Research Highlights Concerns and Uncertainty About Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme
In the wake of the recent launch of the Deposit Return Scheme in the Republic of Ireland, Every Can Counts, a recycling not-for-profit organization, conducted research uncovering widespread confusion among the Irish population regarding the scheme. The study reveals that nearly one-third (29%) of respondents are not confident about how to navigate the new initiative. While the refundable deposit, applicable to drink containers featuring the Re-turn logo, aims to encourage recycling, concerns about insufficient storage space, deposit amounts, and perceived complexities in the process have surfaced as key challenges. Despite these uncertainties, a significant majority (69%) express a willingness to recycle more, driven by environmental concerns.
Worries about storage space for uncrushed containers (36%), the perceived inadequacy of the refundable deposit (22%), and concerns about a complex process (17%) emerged as the top reasons cited for hesitancy in participating in the Deposit Return Scheme. Additionally, time constraints (17%) were identified as a significant barrier.
Despite the prevailing uncertainties, the research suggests a positive outlook, with almost seven in 10 respondents (69%) expressing the belief that the new Deposit Return Scheme will motivate them to recycle more. Environmental consciousness emerges as the primary motivator for this change in behavior. Over three-quarters (78%) of respondents in the Republic of Ireland indicate a preference for purchasing recyclable drink containers, with aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles ranking highest on their choices.
Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts, acknowledges the initial uncertainties and expresses optimism, stating, “While their worries are completely valid, we hope that as they become more familiar with the scheme and its steps, we’ll see more and more people participating in it and recycling their used drink containers through Re-turn.”
For those uncertain about the scheme’s process, Every Can Counts offers a three-step guide. First, ensure the drink container bears the Re-turn logo. Second, follow specific guidelines for return—either through Reverse Vending Machines or manually at participating shops. Finally, redeem the refundable deposit by presenting the voucher at the till of a participating shop.
Environmental awareness emerges as a critical factor influencing participation, with 75% of respondents agreeing that understanding the environmental benefits of recycling would encourage them to use the Deposit Return Scheme. Chris Latham-Warde emphasizes, “Our findings highlight the important role environmental awareness and understanding will play in encouraging people to participate in the Deposit Return Scheme.”
Source: GlassBalkan
