Vending

Dublin recycling machines criticized for creating waste

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October 4, 2024

Reverse vending machines as part of the Deposit Return Scheme in Ireland offer an opportunity for residents to deposit their recyclable waste in return for an award or voucher. These vouchers, however, are made from paper that is neither recycled or recyclable, according to a Dublin Live report.

A voucher made from the paper is issued each time a consumer returns bottles or cans, reaching almost 16 million vouchers by July of this year. According to the news outlet, the length of paper consumed by these voucher receipts would span the distance between Ireland and Canada.

Dublin Live also noted members of the public have also criticized the carbon footprint of making consumers drive to drop off their own individual recyclables.