A new litter survey has found the Deposit Return Scheme for cans and plastic bottles is leading to less rubbish on our streets.
In the first survey since the recycling refund scheme was introduced, Irish Business Against Litter found 30% less cans being discarded along with fewer plastic bottles.
The survey also found shows Naas is the cleanest town in the country, ahead of Monaghan and Blanchardstown in Dublin.
However, Dublin city centre has seen a further deterioration and has been declared "Littered".
Latest IBAL survey results show Deposit Return Scheme contributing to lower litter levels nationwide. How is your town doing? Read all about it here:https://t.co/RrciX5K1Md pic.twitter.com/lwKGbOGSTi
— Irish Business Against Litter (@IrishLitter) June 23, 2024
Irish Business Against Litter spokesperson Conor Horgan, says it's great to see fewer cans and plastic bottles being thrown on the ground.
"This is the first survey we've conducted since the Government's Deposit Return Scheme, and the early indications are that it's having a real impact.
"We've seen a 30% fall in the prevalence of cans on our streets, and there's also been a drop in the prevalence of plastic bottles.
"So it's a really good indicator that this scheme is working from a litter point of view.
"Generally, there was was good news for cities. There were notable improvements in Limerick City, Galvone in Limerick, Mahon in Cork, Tallaght and Dublin's north inner city is showing slow, but steady improvement.
"So, it's generally a good news picture, but it's not mirrored by Dublin city centre, unfortunately".
