Bin charges to rise due to bottle deposit return scheme

There may be increased charges to have bins collected, waste collectors have warned, to make up for the loss of plastic bottles and drinks cans to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Bottles and cans are the most valuable items in household recycling bins, with companies said to be losing millions of euro in sales to manufacturers since the scheme began.

The Irish Independent has reported that waste companies have now said they may have to increase their charges.

Aluminium cans are reportedly worth up to €1400 a tonne, while PET plastic can be worth €500. 

According to the report in the Irish Independent, waste companies are concerned they could lose up to €15m a year.

It is now expected that these costs will be passed on to customers.

The DRS scheme has been introduced to a mixed response. Many people have complained about paying bin companies to have their recycling collected, while also having to pay a deposit on cans and plastic bottles, which then have to be returned to machines in supermarkets. 

Ironically, it may now cost customers more to have less recycling collected.