After years of relentless campaigning, we are thrilled to announce the official launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on the 1st of February 2024, in just 100 days!
This marks a great step forward in the history of recycling and environmental advocacy in Ireland.
At VOICE, we have been at the forefront of this movement for a very simple reason – the DRS is a straightforward and common-sense approach to increasing recycling rates, decreasing littering, and raising awareness about the importance of responsible resource use. And from its beginning in 2021, our Return for Change campaign has enjoyed near-universall support because people recognised how useful and beneficial this scheme was going to be. The DRS, an initiative we've passionately supported, is finally here, and it's a moment of pride for all those who have worked so hard to make it happen.
A New Beginning:
As the DRS arrives, we are excited to see Re-turn, the Scheme Operator, launch a National Awareness Campaign which will ensure that the Scheme is not only understood but widely recognized across the nation, guaranteeing a seamless start in the first months of 2024. In just a few weeks, the DRS will be at the forefront of everyone's minds, and we are confident that our enthusiasm for the DRS will be mirrored by all.
Monitoring and Improvement:
While VOICE achieved all its goals for the introduction of a comprehensive and ambitious DRS, our commitment to its success remains unwavering. We will continue to closely monitor the DRS's achievements and intend to work closely with Re-turn, ensuring they remain consistent in their efforts to its continued success.
Indeed, our work is far from over. We've always been ambitious, aspiring to create the best possible DRS by learning from international best practices and standards. VOICE will continue to play a crucial role in driving ambitious targets. We want to ensure that it not only meets but exceeds our expectations.
A Baseline for a Circular Economy:
To us, the DRS is more than just a recycling scheme; it's the cornerstone of a circular economy in Ireland. It enables us to experience first hand a more conscious way of consuming and disposing by making sure valuable resources are given the best chances to be reused.
However, it's essential to remember that the DRS is the first step on a longer journey towards a sustainable future. Our ultimate objective extends beyond the DRS. We see this scheme as the foundation for an ecosystem of initiatives that will lead us toward Circular Economy (learn more about what Circular Economy is here). Our vision is to move beyond recycling, toward reuse, and eventually, to create an economic system that operates within the planet's boundaries. The DRS is a vital catalyst for this transition.
As we celebrate the arrival of the Deposit Return Scheme, let us remember the years of hard work and dedication that brought us to this moment. We thank everyone who has supported our mission and contributed to this incredible achievement. The DRS is a symbol of what we can accomplish when we work together for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Ireland.
This is just the beginning of a journey towards a Circular Economy that respects our planet's limits.
We invite you to join us in this exciting and essential endeavor.
