Launched in February 2022, Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) significantly reduced littering of plastic and aluminium containers, with around 84% public participation. The scheme collected 980 million bottles and cans in the first year, diverting them from landfills and litter. With over 3,000 return points nationwide, it supports community fundraising, benefiting schools and charities. Minister Darragh O’Brien acknowledged the efforts of the beverage industry in creating this recycling model, signaling a positive impact on both waste reduction and citizen engagement for a sustainable future.
"In its first 12 months, the DRS has collected and recycled over 980 million bottles and cans, dramatically reducing the number of those containers ending up as litter or being landfilled."
"Essential to the success of DRS has been the Irish beverage industry and retailers who, through Re-turn, have come together to build an entirely new recycling model."
"By participating in DRS, schools, sports clubs and other groups are not only raising much-needed funds by reducing litter and promoting recycling."
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