Councils ‘should benefit from excess Return scheme funds’

Unclaimed deposit return scheme funds should be returned to local authorities to develop anti-dumping and environmental projects, according to the cathaoirleach of the Athlone Moate Municipal District.

Cllr Vinny McCormack raised the issue at the September meeting and asked fellow elected members and the executive to write to the minister for the environment in support of his case.

He said: “Since the scheme commenced in February 2024 some €66.7m has gone unclaimed in terms of deposits paid. There is no doubt that the scheme has been broadly successful as two-thirds of all plastic bottles find their way back into the return machines.

“That does mean that almost €70m in deposits has gone unclaimed, and the Return company recorded a pre-tax profit of €51.3m for its first 11 months in existence,” Cllr McCormack said.

As Return was established as a “not for profit” company, he said he is anxious that the surplus money does not “simply go back to central government”.

“I am calling on the environment minister to ensure this surplus is split among the local authorities and ring-fenced for environmental and anti-dumping purposes.

The figures highlighted by Cllr McCormack were published in the Return 2024 annual report, which also stated that approximately 877.85m containers were returned through the scheme, “made up of 433.2m plastic bottles and 44.6m cans”.

“The figure of €66.7m in unredeemed deposits allied to €47.7m from sale of materials, and producers fees, resulted in recorded revenues of €114.4m for the newly established company,” Cllr McCormack said.

He emphasised that local authorities were “best placed” to administer schemes to tackle dumping, and a portion of the funding would go a long way towards increasing effectiveness.

“We have also sought the continued rollout of CCTV in littering blackspots, and greater litter enforcement capabilities from the council. This additional funding could have a really positive impact and support us in assisting Tidy Towns organisations, while we could also look at putting in place additional litter wardens to tackle enforcement and ensure those who damage our environment are fined heavily, and pay the price,” Cllr McCormack concluded.

Elected members were unanimous in their support of the Mayor’s suggestion and a letter is to issue to minister for the environment in support of the mayor’s motion.