Re-Turn Maintains 2.2 Cent Handling Fee Despite Retailer Complaints and €51.3 Million Surplus

Re-Turn, operator of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), will not increase the 2.2 cent handling fee paid to retailers for each returned container, despite shop owners' complaints that the scheme is costing them money. The company had committed to reviewing the fee in 2024 and reiterated this at a forum last November, but an independent review, validated by EY, advised against an increase.

However, Re-Turn will introduce a targeted support of €2,000 per site for retailers handling between 250,000 and 500,000 containers annually. The company, which recorded a pre-tax surplus of €51.3 million in 2024, stated the 2.2 cent fee for automated returns and 2.6 cent for manual returns would remain unchanged, emphasizing the fee is not-for-profit and covers operational costs.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín criticized the decision, arguing the scheme has been a hardship for retailers, particularly small ones, who find 2.2 cents per container insufficient. He highlighted Re-Turn's «cash pile of millions in unclaimed deposits,» including €66.7 million in consumer deposits banked in one year, suggesting the company should use these resources to ensure retailers break even. Small retailers had previously contacted Minister Alan Dillon regarding the handling fee, claiming the scheme, assured to be cost-neutral, was instead costing them money.