The company running the Deposit Return Scheme has said anyone charged extra for non-labelled bottles and cans will be refunded.
The scheme has been rolled out across Ireland from today, with people getting a deposit back when they return their bottles and cans.
It is also the start of a four-month transition period where retailers may sell both non-deposit stock and Re-turn logo stock that can be returned.
It follows reports from people who were charged extra for a bottle that did not have the Re-turn logo.
Feb 1st, deposit scheme kicks in. Bought an orange juice in @SuperValuIRL in Ballymahon, no recycle symbol. Charged the 15c deposit. Loads of bottles and cans in store with no recycling symbol. @joeliveline #recycle pic.twitter.com/LDt7AG0Wkl
— Seán Daly ☘️ (@sdaly213) February 1, 2024
Re-turn has said people will not be left out of pocket.
"Any consumer who pays a deposit on a drinks container will receive a full refund of the deposit when they return the item undamaged to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide," it said in a statement to Newstalk.
"February 1st marks the start of a four-month transition period for retailers. During this time, retailers may sell both non-deposit stock and Re-turn logo stock to prevent wastage.
An example of the Re-turn logo on plastic bottles. Image: re-turn.ie"During this transition period, some drinks containers may be subject to a deposit even if they do not feature the Re-turn logo.
"In these instances, consumers will always be entitled to a refund of their deposit.
"This measure is in place to reduce the wastage of existing stock. From June 1st, all drinks containers included in the scheme will feature the Re-turn logo," it added.
Consumers who may be charged a deposit on drinks container without a Re-turn logo can get their deposit back when they are returned empty and undamaged to any Reverse Vending Machine around the country.
Re-turn added that "under no circumstances" will a consumer pay a deposit and not be entitled to its reimbursement.
Anyone in doubt over whether a container is eligible for a refundable deposit can verify it here.
