Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Retailers have two options when offering take-back services under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) – 1) manual, over the counter collection, or 2) automated collection through the use of reverse vending machines (RVMs). Empty containers will be collected from retailers by Re-turn, the scheme operator, where they will be sorted and recycled, at no cost to the retailer.

All retailers will receive a handling fee from Re-turn for participating in the scheme. Handling fees are intended to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security. The level of handling fee payable is determined by Re-turn and is subject to independent, third-party verification.

In addition to handling fees, a number of other supports are in place to assist small retailers, including exemptions from take-back services and financial support for the installation of RVMs. Details of these supports, as well as other useful information to help retailers prepare for DRS, is available at re-turn.ie/retailer/.