Public Health Considerations in Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme

Abstract

The introduction of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans on 1st February 2024 represents a major advance in circular economy policy. Recycling rates for these containers have reportedly increased from 49% to approximately 91%, with 76% collected through DRS infrastructure and a further 15% via mixed dry recycling, amounting to over 1.6 billion returned containers since launch1. This reflects strong environmental performance and public engagement. At the same time, it is important that the public health dimensions of the scheme, particularly issues relating to hygiene and infection control, are also considered in parallel...