Ireland’s deposit return scheme will launch on February 1 and guidance has been published for retailers and consumers.

From next month, when consumers purchase an aluminium can or plastic bottle with the Re-turn logo, the operator of the scheme, an additional refundable deposit will be added to the price.

A deposit of 15 cents will apply to each container from 150ml – 500mls and a deposit of 25 cents for containers over 500ml to 3 litres.

To obtain their deposit, consumers will then have to return them to a participating shop or supermarket.

Re-turn published a final checklist for retailers in preparation.

It said: “This applies to all Retailers regardless of whether they have been granted a Take Back Exemption. 

“To access the ‘Retailer Journey Guide’, which details all steps involved in registration, please click here.

“To view the ‘Retailer Need to Know’ Guide, please click here.”

It also issued the following advice:

All Retailers should ensure they complete registration on the portal including:

• Provide Financial details if not already submitted. Re-turn cannot pay Handling & Deposit Fees without this information. Those granted a Take Back Exemption do not need to complete this section
• Where Retailers opt for automated return, Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), please ensure to input your RVM serial number asap
• Check the ‘Retailer/Trading name’ field – this is the name that will be displayed on the Deposit Return Point Map on the Re-turn website from 1 February, so please be clear as to your preference
• Check for email from portal prompting download of your Membership Certificate or Take Back Exemption Certificate for each premises. This Certificate should be printed in colour and be at least A4 in size. As per the Membership rules, the certificate must be displayed prominently for consumers to see in-store from 1 February.