Deposit Return Scheme to start February 01, 2024
Under the new Deposit Return Scheme, when the consumer buys an ‘in scope’ drink from the retailer featuring the Re-turn logo, they pay a small deposit in addition to the retail price. This deposit must be refunded in full by the Retailer when the consumer returns the empty, undamaged drinks container.
Here is the key information retailers need to know regarding the Deposit Return Scheme:
Retailer Compliance
Ensure you are only selling drinks containers from Producers registered with the Deposit Return Scheme operator, Re-turn.
Return Point
Accept all ‘in scope’ empty, undamaged drinks containers featuring the Re-turn logo, regardless of where they were purchased. Provide a full deposit refund to the consumer.
Accessibility
Ensure that the facility for taking back Re-turn bottles and containers on your premises is clearly visible and easily accessible for consumers.
Itemised Deposit
Ensure that the payment of the deposit is itemised on the proof of payment and displayed clearly as a separate charge from the product price.
Storage
Provide storage for Re-turn drinks containers and agree method and frequency of collection with Deposit Return Scheme Operator, Re-turn.
Consumer Information
Clearly display information on how to redeem the deposit in-store. Retailers should also clearly display their certificate of registration with Re-turn.
What Can be Returned?
Plastic drinks bottles capacity 150ml to 3 litres
Aluminium/Steel cans capacity 150ml to 3 litres
All eligible drinks containers will display the Re-turn logo, making it easy for both Retailers and consumers to identify what is included in the Deposit Return Scheme.
Drinks containers must be returned empty and undamaged with barcode clearly legible.
Benefits of Deposit Return
Customer Loyalty
Increased customer loyalty by offering consumers a positive and convenient experience.
Circular Economy
Opportunity to play your part in leading Ireland towards a more sustainable future and relieving pressure on natural resources.
Consumer Footfall
To increase consumer footfall as consumers return their empty beverage containers to get their deposit fee refund.
Contribute
Opportunity to encourage consumers to use Deposit Return as a method to gain store loyalty points or to donate to charity
DEPOSIT RETURN OPTIONS – A Guide For Retailers
A Retailer will have two options when offering a take-back service for the empty, undamaged drinks containers featuring the Re-turn logo returned by consumers:
Manual Returns or Automatic Returns through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).
The volume of sales and expected returns, of drinks containers is a key driver in determining whether a Retailer chooses manual collection opt for automatic collection via RVMs.
Manual Returns
Retailers may opt to accept ‘in scope’ Re-turn drinks containers over the counter, which is classed as Manual Collection.
For further details on how Manual Collection will work, please click here. https://re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Manual-Collections.pdf
Retailers must ensure the returned ‘in scope’ drinks containers feature the Re-turn logo and are empty and undamaged, clearly displaying the barcode.
Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) Suppliers
Retailers who opt to purchase/lease an RVM must choose from the Re-turn approved list of RVM suppliers.
The current RVM Suppliers approved by Re-turn are:
- EcoVend
Andy Jacobs
+44 (0)7976 401416
andyjacobs@ecovend.com
2. Envipco
sales@envipco.com
Tel: 01 524 1249
3. Nesty
kieran@nesty.ie
087 39 515 49
4. RVM Systems
David Kelly
david.kelly@rvmsystems.com
01 485 3646
5. Sensi
Nathan Misischi
0862400296
nathan@sensi.ie
6. Sielaff
Stephen Stothard
+44 (0)7340 413899
stephen.stothard@sielaff.co.uk
7. Tomra
Peter Whelan
087 4265098
peter.whelan@Tomra.com
Collections
Re-turn will collect and transport deposit return material in addition to promoting the use of reverse logistics for the collection of material from the scheme.
Collections from stores with Reverse Vending Machines and manual collections will operate throughout the week except on Sunday. For some larger retail outlets, there may be up to three collections per week while retailers operating manual returns will have one collection per week. Collection frequencies will be adjusted to meet demand and difficult operational situations such as stores in city centre areas. The scheme aims to ensure an efficient collection system based on returns to each store.
Each bag collected will be have a barcode to identify the Retailer store, supporting traceability throughout the system. It is then transported to the designated facility for counting, sorting and processing.
Handling Fee
All Retailers who take back ‘in scope’ drinks containers featuring the Re-turn logo will be paid a Handling Fee, which ensures that the Deposit Return Scheme is cost neutral. The purpose of the Handling Fee is to compensate Retailers and to offset costs incurred in participating in the scheme. The main costs include:
DRS collection infrastructure, retail floor space; staff/labour costs, security costs and other miscellaneous costs
The Handling Fee is categorised according to the method of collection: Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or Manual collection.
The level of the Handling Fee will be determined by Re-turn, subject to verification by independent consultants, to ensure it is fair and reflective of current factors.
Repayment of Deposit Fee
Retailers will be reimbursed for all Deposit Fees refunded to consumers returning empty, undamaged beverage containers, displaying the Re-turn logo.
Manual Returns
The process begins when the containers are collected from the Retailer and processed at the counting centre. Each container is then validated and Retailers will be refunded the deposit through the agreed accounting and reporting systems as specified by Re-turn.
Automatic Returns (RVMs)
The material is scanned on site by the RVM, thus validating the material. The information gathered feeds into the central data system of Re-turn, and indicates the deposit to be reimbursed. Retailers will be refunded the deposit through the agreed accounting and reporting systems as specified by Re-turn.
Who is funding the Deposit Return Scheme?
The management and operation of the Deposit Return Scheme does not cost the public or government any money. The system is funded through producer fees for each product placed on the market.
For more information and Explanatory Documents for Download
See: https://re-turn.ie/retailer/
Useful Documents
Retailer Journey Guide: https://re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Retailer-Journey-Guide.
Hospitality Webinar Deck: https://re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hospitality-Webinar-monday-23.10.23-Final.pdf
Re-turn National Communications Campaign: https://re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Comms-Webinar-Final-17.10.23.pdf
