Ireland has recently introduced its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), as part of its commitment to enhance the recycling efforts of the country. A survey conducted by Every Can Counts sheds light on consumer perceptions of the system and the challenges faced with this new initiative. While exploring the statistics of this survey, we hereby compare the Irish DRS with a similar system of Latvia, which celebrates its second year of successful operation.
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Using the Irish DRS
As Packaging Europe’s article describes, consumers that purchase any drink container with the Re-turn logo, are required to pay a refundable deposit that costs 15 cents for containers from 150 ml to 500 ml in size, and 25 cents for those between 500 ml and 3 L. Containers that do not feature the logo are not eligible for a refund.
To facilitate the return process, consumers are encouraged to take their empty, undamaged containers to a reverse vending machine and follow the provided step-by-step instructions. Upon return of a container, a voucher for the refundable deposit is given to the consumer, upon insertion to the machine. This voucher can be redeemed at participating stores for a full refund or as credit towards their next purchase. Alternatively, consumers can return empty containers directly over the counter, at participating stores.
Consumer Challenges and Motivations
Every Can Counts‘ research in Republic of Ireland highlights the initial uncertainties surrounding the implementation of the new DRS. A significant number of consumers (29 %) expressed confusion about its initial implementation. Moreover, there were further consumers’ concerns regarding limited storage space for their ready-return-cans (36 %), DRS’s general complexity (17 %), and time constraints for returning their cans and plastic bottles (17 %).
However, the survey also revealed a positive side, with 69 % of consumers believing that the scheme would encourage them to recycle more. Despite the initial challenges, 78 % felt encouraged to recycle with the use of DRS, with environmental concerns as their primary motivation. The survey underscores that consumers are more likely to purchase recyclable containers, such as aluminum cans and glass bottles. Additionally, 75 % emphasize the importance of understanding the environmental benefits of recycling, suggesting that education plays a crucial role in achieving the desired participation.
Comparing Ireland’s DRS with Latvia’s Success
Latvia, celebrating the two-year milestone of its beverage packaging DRS, boasts an 80 % return rate for packaged units, with some packaging types achieving rates exceeding 90 % (for example, refillable glass bottles and beer in PET packaging). Latvia’s success is attributed to a number of factors, such as a well-established return point network, extensive and systematic consumer education about the system and motivation as to why returned bottles in DRS are much better than throwing them in the trash, which is also heavily highlighted by the report for the Irish DRS, and by the use of efficient and timely logistics.
The Future of the Irish DRS
Chris Latham-Warde, program manager at Every Can Counts, acknowledged the initial uncertainties surrounding the new Deposit Return Scheme in Ireland but expressed his hope in increasing consumer familiarity with the system in order to achieve greater participation. The implementation of this system is a further step towards the country’s targets to separate and collect 77 % of plastic beverage bottles by 2025 and 90 % in 2029.
Conclusion
As Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme takes its first steps, addressing consumer concerns and providing comprehensive education on the use of the system and the environmental benefits of recycling, will be vital for achieving the target set for the future. The success of Latvia’s system serves as an inspiring example, showcasing the positive impact that an efficient and well-supported Deposit Return Scheme can have on the environmental prosperity of the country, and opening the way for the implementation of DRSs by more countries in the future.
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