Ciarán Cuffe MEP is backing a bottle deposit return scheme. Mr Cuffe, the Green Party member of the European Parliament for Dublin, took part in a Department of Environment, Climate and Communications consultation on plastic bottle and aluminium cans deposit return scheme. Such schemes are used successfully across the EU in countries such as Germany.

Ciaran Cuffe MEP says, “Currently, large volumes of much of plastic bottles and aluminium cans are not being recycled and simply discarded as regular waste. Tools such as deposit and return schemes are crucial in ending the single-use, throwaway economy we have become so used to and tackling litter in the environment.”

The introduction of a deposit scheme to Ireland is not new. A similar returns system for glass bottles existed well into the 1980s. This new scheme is being proposed out as part of the government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy and will help Ireland work towards its climate goals. A deposit scheme will also help Ireland fulfil its commitment to the European Green Deal by helping Ireland reach our requirements under the Single-Use Plastic Directive, and the European ambition to lead global efforts towards a circular economy. Additionally, such a scheme could boost the local economy and job creation.

Cuffe went on to say, “A deposit scheme is a welcome step in Ireland’s journey to tackle the environmental damage caused by litter. It will lead to less rubbish cluttering our hedgerows and green spaces. It will also bring us in line with how other EU countries deal with waste management.”