Reverse vending machines installed in Ballincollig ahead of new recycling scheme

From February 1, the likes of cans and bottles marked with a 'Re-turn' logo will be eligible for the recycling scheme

Cormac Quish, owner, of Quish's SuperValu, Ballincollig, at the new reverse vending machines installed at the store at West End for the deposit return scheme which will start on February 1. Picture: Denis Minihane

It's hard to miss the new hulking reverse vending machines greeting shoppers at the doors of major retailers in recent weeks in anticipation of a new recycling scheme next month.

The holes in the machines at the likes of SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and other retail outlets may be covered up for now but when February 1 comes around, they will be the conduit for people and authorities to make sure that the millions of cans and plastic bottles consumed in Ireland are properly given a new lease of life through recycling.