Deposit scheme is 'just another tax' says Irish celebrity as return facilities littered

The public are reacting to the condition of the latest reverse vending machines at retailers across the country which facilitate the new Deposit Return Scheme.

Under a post to X by Senator Barry Ward, which showed the increasing litter pile-up at a Lidl-based reverse vending machine near him, the public are sharing their thoughts on social media. 

Mrs Brown's Boys star, Rory Cowan argued that the scheme is "just another tax".

"It’s just another tax of 25c for every plastic bottle. Nobody in authority actually cares whether the recycle/refund system works or not. It’s just another tax that is the main objective".

Another user wrote: "Who’d have thought this would end up disastrous? Oh yes, everyone who thought about it for more than 11 seconds."

While others are wondering why there was any need for change at all: "What was wrong with putting it in the green bin that we already pay for?"

While Lidl itself has replied to the post, wanting to resolve the litter issue: "Hi Barry, We're really sorry to see that. Thanks for letting us know. Can you please send us a DM with the store, and we will get on to the team in store to sort it out ASAP. Thanks again."

The scheme, operated by Re-Turn, sees a 15 cent charge as a "deposit" which has been added to aluminium and steel cans and plastic bottles up to 500ml, while a 25 cent "deposit" has been added to those that are 500ml and over.

Once empty, consumers must return the cans and bottles to a participating reverse vending machine undamaged in order to reclaim this deposit.