Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for the question. The deposit return scheme was introduced in February 2024 to encourage higher recycling rates for plastic bottles and cans and to help Ireland meet its EU recycling targets.

Since becoming fully operational in June, 2024, the scheme has delivered strong results. According to Re-turn, the scheme operator, Ireland achieved a 66% collection rate in 2024, which has since increased to 76%, based on rolling averages in early 2025. This puts us firmly on track to meet our EU target of 77% by the end of the year.

Under the single-use plastics directive, producers must use 25% recycled content in PET bottles by 2025, increasing to 30% by 2030. The DRS is critical in supplying the high-quality recyclate that is needed to meet the targets.

While the collection and recycling of containers returned is an operational matter for Re-turn, I can confirm that all material collected is first processed at its contracted facility in Limerick. From there, it is sent to licensed facilities in Ireland, the UK or Europe for final recycling. In 2024, 34% of PET collected was recycled in Ireland, with the remaining 66% exported, primarily to the UK and the EU. This reflects current market capacity and the need for specialised facilities to handle high-grade recyclate. Importantly, one of the long-term benefits of the DRS is the potential to establish Ireland's first bottle-to-bottle recycling plant. This would allow us to retain the economic value of this material, reduce reliance on exports and further strengthen our circular economy.

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