Medical Experts Urge Infection Control in DRS; Re-turn Maintains Retailer Fee

Medical experts have called for infection-control measures in Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to risks from microbial growth and liquid residue on bottles and cans. Dr. Mick Molloy, Nandakumar Ravichandran, and Dr. Walter Cullen, writing in the Irish Medical Journal, highlighted that residues from alcohol and sugary drinks support microbial growth and attract pests. They urged Re-turn and the HSE to develop evidence-based guidance for hygiene and safety, particularly for staff interacting with reverse vending machines.

Despite the DRS's environmental success since its February 2024 launch, public health dimensions must be considered. The experts suggested simple public guidance for consumers to empty and rinse containers before return to mitigate risks. The Irish Waste Management Association previously noted residue attracting flies and rodents, though containers are mostly processed quickly within the DRS infrastructure.

Separately, Re-turn has decided against increasing the 2.2 cent handling fee paid to retailers for each returned container, despite complaints from shop owners about financial hardship. An independent review, validated by EY, concluded the 2.2c fee for automated returns and 2.6c for manual returns would remain unchanged. However, a targeted support of €2,000 per site will be introduced for retailers handling 250,000 to 500,000 containers annually.

Re-turn, which recorded a €51.3 million pre-tax surplus in 2024 and banked €66.7 million in unclaimed deposits, stated the fee is not-for-profit and covers operational costs. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín criticized the decision, arguing the scheme is a hardship for retailers and Re-turn should use its resources to ensure they break even, especially given the significant unclaimed deposits.