Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme Builds Momentum: Over 5 Million Drinks Containers Collected Since Launch
· Bumper Weekend (9th-10th March) with nearly 1 million drinks containers returned · Ireland surpassed February’s total of 2 million drinks containers returned in first seven days of March · Daily return numbers grow from thousands in early February to hundreds of thousands in March Re-turn, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme has now collected over […]
Momentum on Sustainable Energy Transition at Risk as Consumer Fatigue Sets In – EY Research
78% Irish consumers doing as much as they can, within means, to be sustainable 69% of Irish consumers can’t absorb a 10% bill increase Energy companies and suppliers can seize the opportunity to close the gap between consumer interest and action on sustainability. As the sustainable energy transition enters a crucial new phase, momentum […]
Sign our Open Letter to Stop Fireblight – Hedgerows Ireland
Hedgerows Ireland, An Taisce, and the Environmental Pillar appeal for signatures on their open letter to Minister McConalogue, asking him to take decisive action on the risk of Fireblight in Ireland. Fireblight is a bacterial disease that may result in the removal of Ireland’s emblematic Hawthorn hedgerows if allowed to spread. Its other common host trees include […]
PPWR deal: good steps to reduce packaging waste despite worrying exemptions, says Zero Waste Europe
The final round of talks took place last night in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) which saw good steps to tackle Europe’s ongoing packaging waste crisis, despite some clear losses, says Zero Waste Europe. The conclusion of the long-awaited revision of EU packaging rules puts forward measures to ban certain unnecessary packaging, impose […]
People in Ireland continue to be positive about benefits of climate action
The results of the second wave of the EPA’s Climate Change in the Irish Mind survey show: Consistent with the previous study, findings show widespread agreement on many climate change attitudes and strong majority support for climate action. 81 percent of people in Ireland are worried about climate change and 75 percent think extreme weather […]
Guidance for Irish Consumers on Deposit Return Scheme
Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme is live. The operator of the nationwide scheme, Re-turn, has the following guidance for consumers. What will I pay? A deposit of 15 cents will apply to each drinks container from 150ml – 500mls and a deposit of 25 cents for drinks containers over 500ml to 3 litres. How will I get […]
Irish Beverage Council and Drinks Ireland welcome the launch of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
The Irish Beverage Council and Drinks Ireland, the Ibec groups representing the non-alcohol and alcohol beverage industries on the Island of Ireland, welcome the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Ireland, following a long-term constructive and dynamic partnership across industry, Government, and NGOs. DRS represents a significant change in how beverage manufacturers, retailers, […]
EPA’s Review of 2023 showcases work to address environmental challenges
In 2023 the EPA: Carried out over 1,200 inspections of industrial and waste facilities, along with 205 urban waste water and 154 drinking water site inspections. Obtained 19 convictions for environmental offences. Monitored more than 2,500 waterbodies – with data showing no significant improvement in water quality – largely caused by high nutrient levels. Provided […]
The evidence is clear: Climate change is happening – EPA
Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment is the first comprehensive and authoritative assessment of the state of knowledge of climate change in Ireland. We are living in and experiencing a changing climate. In line with global trends, 16 of the 20 warmest years in Ireland have occurred since 1990. More action is needed to meet Ireland’s legally binding emissions […]
Guidance for Irish Consumers Ahead of February’s Deposit Return Scheme Introduction
Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme goes live on 1 February 2024. From this date onwards, when consumers purchase a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can that features the Re-turn logo, they will pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the price of the drink. The operator of the nationwide scheme, Re-turn, has some […]
