A year on from the controversial introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme, have critics changed their tune?

The recycling scheme was introduced on the 1st of February 2024, initially to much pushback.

TD for Fine Gael Noel McCarthy told The Hard Shoulder last year that he thought it was deeply flawed.

“It’s causing fierce problems to us as shopkeepers, to our staff and most importantly to our customers,” he told the show in 2024.

“Most customers since the scheme was introduced, they’re coming in, they’re saying to you, ‘Ah sure that’s another tax’ - and it’s very hard to disagree with them.”

However, Mr McCarthy joined the show again for the anniversary of the scheme’s introduction with a new outlook.

“I have to eat humble pie,” he said. “It is definitely working.

“What I said at the start of last year, especially about concerns, there was, but I think over the 12 months that has been in operation now, I must say it has been a success.

“In my role as Tidy Townsman, definitely illegal dumping has improved, people are taking responsibility.”

Sign at Heuston Station warning people not to search through bins for Deposit Return Scheme. Image: Barry Kenny

Mr McCarthy said people have realised “there’s money there” and that “cheating issues” have been resolved since the scheme was established.

“The only other thing we have, and I’m only talking as a person because my store is small and we wouldn’t have the room for the machine,” he said.

“If there was a machine that could fit in stores like my size, I think it would be good.”

'This hasn't cost the State one penny'

CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association Vincent Jennings that teething problems have “primarily” been worked out.

“I would like to reiterate once again that this hasn’t cost the State one penny and unfortunately the State didn’t come in with giving accelerated capital allowances – maybe they should have,” he said.

“Any grants that have been given have been given by Re-Turn the company.

“The State did not put their hands into their pockets for anything on this - shamefully - because most certainly all of us retailers are doing a significant societal job by assisting in a clean-up.

“And we’re not making any money from this, I mean the whole thing is supposed to be cost neutral for the shopkeeper."

Mr Jennings said he would like to see a clamp down on “illicit product” that cannot be returned under the scheme.

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Main image: A deposit Return Point for Cans and Bottles outside a Lidl in Dublin, 01-02-2024. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews