John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the percentage of bottles and cans that are recycled using the bottle deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42063/25]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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206. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of shops that have applied for exemptions for the bottle deposit return scheme in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42064/25]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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207. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the profits a company (details supplied) have made since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42065/25]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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208. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the total cost to providers in Wicklow that provide the bottle deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42066/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 208, inclusive, together.

Re-turn, which is a not-for-profit company, published their 2024 annual report on 25 July 2025 and this is available here: re-turn.ie/re-turn-2024-annual-report/. In their report, the directors present their operational report together with audited financial statements for 2024. This includes information relating to a 66% average collection rate achieved for the period in 2024 when the scheme was fully operational. Ultimately, the EPA will collate and report official 2024 data for EU reporting purposes for submission, due before mid-2026. For current 2025 collection rates, Re-turn is reporting a 76% rate, based on 6-month rolling average figures.

While the collection, processing and recycling of containers returned via the Deposit Return Scheme is an operational matter for the DRS operator, Re-turn, I can confirm that all material collected is processed at a contracted facility in Limerick, after which it is currently sent to licensed facilities in Ireland, the UK or Europe for recycling. One of the significant benefits of DRS is the potential to establish Ireland's first bottle-to-bottle recycling plant on the island.

On the matter of costs to providers in Co. Wicklow, I do not have this information. Re-turn may be able to assist on this matter, if the Deputy wishes to pursue the question with the company. However, it is important to note that Re-turn is supporting many smaller retailers with funding towards the purchase of reverse vending machines. More information on this is available here: re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/RVM-Grants-Guide_v3.pdf

Information regarding the number of shops that have applied for exemptions in particular counties is an operational matter which may be addressed to the DRS operator, Re-turn.