126. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the returns made under the deposit return scheme, by month, since it began operating; the estimated corresponding unredeemed number of bottles, and their worth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33772/24]

Since the Deposit Return Scheme was introduced on 1st February, almost 302 million containers have been returned. The breakdown by month is shown in the table below.

Data in relation to unredeemed containers is not yet available. As is the case with all our waste statistics, performance of the scheme will be measured on an annual basis – i.e. number of units returned and recycled compared to the number of units placed on the market in a given year. A return rate calculated over shorter periods will not provide reliable information on the scheme’s performance.

To date, €53 million has been refunded to consumers. Given the open-ended nature of Re-turn’s liability to refund deposits, a redemption rate calculated over a short period will not provide a true reflection of unredeemed deposits. Any unclaimed deposits will be retained by Re-turn and will be reinvested in the scheme and recycling initiatives. Re-turn will also pay VAT to Revenue on unredeemed deposits.