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<\/p>\nAn emergency medicine consultant, a GP, and a public health expert warned that residues from alcohol and sugary drinks can support microbial growth – and attract flies and rodents<\/p>\n
18:00, 22 May 2026Updated 19:55, 22 May 2026<\/p>\n
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Re-turn machines for bottles and cans (Image: Gareth Chaney\/Collins)<\/p>\n
Medical experts have called for the introduction of infection-control measures in the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), citing the risk of microbial growth and exposure to liquid residue on bottles and cans.<\/p>\n
An emergency medicine consultant, a GP, and a public health expert warned that residues from alcohol and sugary drinks can support microbial growth, as well as attracting flies and rodents.<\/p>\n
Writing in the latest issue of the Irish Medical Journal, they said issues relating to hygiene and infection control must be considered in parallel with the environmental performance of the scheme.<\/p>\n
The authors said exposure pathways for retail staff, logistics staff, and maintenance personnel who interact with reverse vending machines (RVMs) had to be considered, and noted that no protocol regarding infection control had been published.<\/p>\n
They called for relevant agencies, including Re-turn and the Health Service Executive (HSE), to jointly develop and publish evidence-based guidance on hygiene, safety and environmental health considerations around the DRS.<\/p>\n
\u201cIntegrating practical infection-prevention measures alongside environmental objectives will help ensure that Ireland\u2019s DRS continues to operate successfully, safely, and with strong public confidence, minimising harm for all involved in the process,\u201d they wrote.<\/p>\n
The warning came from Dr Mick Molloy, a consultant in emergency medicine at Wexford General Hospital; Nandakumar Ravichandran, a public health expert in the School of Medicine at UCD; and Dr Walter Cullen, a GP and professor at the same university.<\/p>\n
They noted that the DRS had resulted in strong environmental success since its introduction in February 2024, with increases in recycling rates for plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans.<\/p>\n
However, it was also important to consider the public health dimensions of the scheme, they added. They said residual liquids in returned containers can support microbial growth, particularly at ambient temperature.<\/p>\n
Risks associated with this phenomenon could be reduced by issuing simple public guidance encouraging consumers to empty and, where feasible, rinse containers prior to return, they said.<\/p>\n
They noted that the Irish Waste Management Association had previously highlighted the risk of such residue attracting flies and rodents, they continued, especially in proximity to food storage areas.<\/p>\n
However, they noted that containers are mostly processed through structured collection infrastructure in the DRS, rather than being stored for long periods in retail backrooms.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Re-turn told the Irish Mirror: “To date, Re-turn is not aware of any recorded cases of illness arising from the operation of the Deposit Return Scheme.<\/p>\n
“The scheme operates through structured collection infrastructure, and participating retailers and return point operators are required to manage return points in line with established health, safety and waste-handling requirements.<\/p>\n
“Re-turn also issues regular guidance to retailers and operators, including seasonal advice during warmer periods to help manage issues such as residue, odours and insects. Retailers receive handling fees to support the operation and upkeep of return points, and Re-turn works closely with them to support best practice across the network. Additionally, Re-turn continues to run consumer education campaigns, encouraging people to Re-turn containers responsibly.<\/p>\n
“We take all matters relating to public health, safety and environmental performance seriously and remain open to engaging constructively with medical, public health and environmental experts, as well as relevant agencies, on any evidence-based guidance that could further strengthen public confidence in the scheme.<\/p>\n
“The Deposit Return Scheme has delivered significant environmental benefits since its introduction. Independent litter monitoring has shown a significant reduction in bottle and can litter, with Coastwatch reporting the lowest levels on Irish beaches in 25 years and IBAL recording a substantial reduction in can and bottle litter in communities. Re-turn remains committed to ensuring the scheme continues to operate safely, effectively and in the public interest.”<\/p>\n