140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the success of the deposit return scheme for plastic bottles to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41652/24]

The introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans is one of the most positive consumer behaviour initiatives to happen in this country for decades. It is doing two vital things – reducing litter and combating the scourge of single-use plastics on the environment – by ensuring that these containers get separately collected for recycling.

Participation in DRS has been very positive and, since the scheme was launched on 1st February, almost 600 million bottles and cans have been returned, with average daily rates now regularly exceeding 3 million containers. This equates to €102 million in deposits refunded to consumers, averaging just over €0.5 million per day.

Bottles and cans are a high-volume component of litter. Latest IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter), results published in June, provide an early indication that DRS is contributing to lower litter levels nationwide – it showed a 30% reduction in drinks cans thrown away and a 20% reduction in plastic bottles on our streets. The results are very promising, particularly given that the DRS was still in the transition phase during the survey period (April/May 2024).