RE-TURN, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is bringing its reverse vending machines and recycling infrastructure to Cape Clear’s North Harbour, writes Jackie Keogh.

Cork County Council’s director of planning and environment, Ger Barry, welcomed the Islands Pilot Programme when he presented his bi-monthly report at a meeting of the Western Division.

Mr Barry said the machines would ensure that residents and visitors alike can easily return drinks containers for recycling.

‘Island communities face unique challenges in managing waste, including limited transport links and constrained local infrastructure,’ he said.

By providing convenient return points, the director said the island community would not be disadvantaged.

He said the rollout of the service is in keeping with a nationwide plan to provide equal access to recycling services.

Mr Barry said the Islands Pilot Programme will also serve to gather information and data, monitoring return rates, machine usage patterns, and community feedback to inform the wider rollout of reverse vending machines to island communities in the future.