Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

186. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of instances of non-compliance with the DRS scheme (details supplied); if he has met with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss compliance and enforcement; the sanctions in place for retailers and/or suppliers who are non-compliant; whether data is being collected regarding compliance rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51084/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deposit Return Scheme, or 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.

Re-turn is responsible for all operational and compliance matters relating to DRS and while I have no function in the day-to-day business operations, officials from the Department monitor performance of the scheme closely.

Under the Deposit Return Scheme regulations, local authorities have responsibility for enforcement of compliance obligations. Re-turn works closely with the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities who support local authorities with their regulatory responsibilities.

Re-turn has informed the Department that enforcement of the scheme is a key priority for them. They have put processes in place to identify and detect instances of non-compliance which are supplemented through data analysis, market research and location visits. In addition, there is a portal available on Re-turn's website, which allows members of the public and the trade to notify them of any concerns.

I am advised that Re-turn schedules approximately 400 monthly compliance visits to premises, with adherence levels varying depending on the sector visited. Where instances of non-compliance are detected, Re-turn will engage and support the premises in their efforts to gain compliance.

Where non-compliance remains an ongoing issue, the case is referred to the relevant local authority for enforcement action. A prosecution for an offence determined in accordance with Regulation 19 of the DRS regulations will be subject to the penalties in section 10 of the Waste Management Act of 1996 and prosecuted in accordance with section 11, 12 and 13 of the Waste Management Act of 1996.