Deposit return scheme 'a stealth tax on people with disabilities', says advocate
Leigh Gath, former HSE confidential recipient and thalidomide survivor, said there is no provision for people unable to return the containers. File picture: Brian Arthur
The newly introduced deposit return scheme is effectively a "stealth tax” for people with disabilities who are unable to return the containers, a leading disability advocate has warned.
Anyone buying a drink in a plastic bottle, aluminium or can with the Re-turn logo now pays a deposit between 15 and 25c, depending on the size of the container. Returning empty containers to a reverse vending machine generates a voucher which can be spent in the shop.
However Leigh Gath, former HSE confidential recipient and thalidomide survivor, said there is no provision for people unable to do so.
“It is a stealth tax on people with disabilities,” she said. “Anyone with disabilities who does not drive or is not able to bring their bottles back will be charged for the bottles and for propping up the scheme.”
Ms Gath’s personal frustrations are exacerbated by her area of Limerick being under a boil notice since May of last year.
“The water looks fine but apparently there is cryptosporidium in it, people got sick even when they used it to clean their teeth,” she said. “We’re probably buying up to 12 large bottles of water a week.”
Ms Gath said she is a supporter of the scheme and its aims but that it "has to be fair". She has already been contacted by a visually impaired woman who pointed out there are no Braille markings or raised areas on the logo to make them readable.
Re-turn said it aims to make the new scheme as inclusive as possible.
“We recognise that some individuals might encounter challenges that current guidelines and standards do not fully address,” a spokesman said. “Therefore, we welcome anyone with concerns or questions about accessibility to get in touch with us at info@re-turn.ie.”
It is setting up “an accessibility consultation group” to review issues brought to their attention.
In relation to people shopping from home, the spokesperson said: “The decision to implement a return system for online shopping services rests with the retailers, and this is an option that is currently being explored.”
The Department of the Environment said: “Inclusivity for all consumers is essential for a successful Deposit Return Scheme. Individuals with accessibility issues who may face difficulties returning bottles and cans to their local retailer should contact Re-turn directly.”
The asked four leading supermarkets about inclusive access. Only Tesco Ireland replied while Supervalu re-directed queries to Re-Turn.
Tesco staff will be available at 170 stores to help, a spokeswoman said.
“Where we have been able to install machines which are wheelchair accessible we have done so. This includes more than 50 of our larger stores nationwide,” she said. She acknowledged many customers do home deliveries only now.
“Right now, we are not able to take back returns at the doorstep, this is due to a number of reasons — including the risk of mixing empty bottles and cans with fresh food deliveries would result in cross-contamination,” she said.
They are open to receiving feedback, she said, in this “learning and launch” stage.
