Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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239. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the deposit return scheme; the protocol for money that is unclaimed; if this funding is ring-fenced for specific initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16519/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was introduced in February 2024 to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and cans and to deliver on our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those products. Participation in DRS in its first year has been very positive. 1.2 billion bottles and cans have been returned, with average daily rates now regularly exceeding 3 million containers. This equates to €205 million in deposits refunded to consumers.

Re-turn, the DRS operator, always encourages consumers to redeem their deposits, and it is important the public are aware that Re-turn retains an open-ended liability to refund deposits to consumers, regardless of when or where the product was purchased.

As with all DRS schemes, any deposits not redeemed are retained by the operator and are reinvested exclusively for the development of the Scheme. I anticipate that unredeemed deposits will reduce considerably as the return rate improves and will be used by Re-turn for a range of measures to promote and improve collection rates including:

• Improving Reverse Vending Machine coverage and optimising convenience for consumers
• Enhancing accessibility to maximise the scheme for all users
• Larger, bulk-fed machines enabling quicker, higher volume returns
• Communications and awareness, supporting the consumer’s understanding of DRS and the benefits of a separate collection for these materials.