The Deposit Return Scheme Has Become A National Irritation, with Laura Perrins. Episode 747

Journalist Laura Perrins joins Niall Boylan to talk about, or more accurately give out about, Ireland’s controversial Deposit Return Scheme. What was supposed to be a simple environmental initiative has instead left many consumers frustrated, with complaints about long queues, broken machines, extra charges on shopping bills and people storing bags of sticky cans and bottles in their homes waiting to cash them in.

This week, Peadar Tóibín called on the bosses of the scheme to appear before an Oireachtas Committee, saying it is “time to reform or end this beset scheme.” Laura argues the public were sold a green dream that has turned into an overcomplicated nuisance, while others insist the scheme is finally forcing people to recycle properly and think about waste.

Should we accept inconvenience in the name of the environment, or is this just another badly thought out money racket that punishes ordinary shoppers? Do you bother returning your cans and bottles, or do you just throw them into the recycling bin like before? Niall hears from callers who are divided between supporting the idea and wanting the whole thing scrapped.