Allow airport passengers to bottle it for charity

Clare Fine Gael General Election candidate Leonora Carey has called for donation points to be provided at Irish airports to allow passengers the opportunity to give their bottle deposit returns to charity.

“This would allow departing visitors to donate their bottles – and their unclaimed deposits – to charitable causes and sustainability efforts, following the example set by Germany’s successful “Spende dein Pfand” initiative,” she explained.

“Since the Deposit Return Scheme was introduced, we’ve seen a great uptake from people with millions of aluminium cans and bottles returned.

“But when travellers are leaving Ireland, they’re often leave with bottles they can’t return and deposits they can’t claim without great effort.

“That’s where this idea comes in. It’s simple.  Instead of tossing those bottles in the bin, let’s give people a chance to donate them.

“In Germany, they’ve set up bottle donation points at airports and other tough places to get a refund, and it works really well. Passengers drop off their bottles and the deposit goes to charity.

“Despite some teething problems, the Deposit Return Scheme has been a great initiative, but for travellers, it’s a loose end. Why not turn it into a positive? Instead of wasting deposits, let’s funnel that money into charitable projects.

“People don’t have time to run around looking for a place to return their bottles for their money back and these donation points could make a real difference. They can contribute to good causes while doing their part for the environment—no hassle, no waste.

“I know people have had their concerns about the scheme, and there are issues that need to be addressed, but we could bring real, positive change by bringing in this initiative to support charities.

“It would align perfectly with Ireland’s broader sustainability goals. We’re already making headway with recycling and reducing plastic waste but airports are the missing piece, and by introducing these donation points, we’re closing that loop,” Ms Carey concluded.

PHOTO CAPTION: Leonora Carey at Shannon Airport.