Deposit Return Scheme a 'cash cow'

“A cash cow and a quango to make someone or an organisation very wealthy" is how Cllr Sarah O’Reilly (Aontú) described the new Deposit Return Scheme during a meeting of locally elected members this week.

She was responding after members noted a reply from the office of the Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy regarding the scheme.

The councillors had previously written to the minister to highlight concerns around the scheme.

“It’s an excuse to print money,” fumed Cllr O’Reilly before adding that people in Cavan can travel “up the road” to Enniskillen “where there is no additional tax on drinks”.

“The deposits not reclaimed by customers will be retained by the Deposit Return Scheme,” Cllr O’Reilly asserted.

Councillor Brendan Fay (Ind), who is also a publican, agreed with the sentiments of Cllr O’Reilly. “In my case the drinks companies charge for them but don’t take them back if there is the slightest dent; it goes in the bin,” he told fellow elected members.

“I just think it’s an absolute joke.”

In conclusion, Cllr TP O’Reilly (FG) provided an alternative perspective to the scheme. “I’m seeing much cleaner streets as a result,” he pointed out.

Operated by Re-turn, the Deposit Return Scheme began on February 1 last.

The cost of the deposit is automatically added to the cost of the drink (15c for plastic bottles and aluminium cans under 750ml and 25c for bigger bottles).

Deposits are refunded once empties are returnedundamaged to designated Re-turn machines at retail outlets located all over the country.