A new survey reveals that 82% of consumers support the introduction of the deposit return scheme and 95% of consumers plan to engage with the circular economy initiative.
Re-turn, the country's new Deposit Return Scheme, goes live on February 1.
From February 1, consumers who buy a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminium can that features the Re-turn logo will pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the price of the drink.
The new Amárach research shows that 82% of those surveyed said the deposit placed on drink containers will incentivise them to return empty drinks containers to participating retailers nationwide.
The EU has set Ireland a target to separate and collect 77% of plastic beverage bottles by 2025. This target will rise to 90% in 2029.
The country currently recycles about 60% of drinks containers and a deposit return scheme is a proven method of increasing recycling rates, with great success in several other European countries.
Today's survey shows that 65% of consumers are concerned that too many drinks containers are used in Ireland.
Nearly three in four adults and 73% of those surveyed also believe that placing a monetary value on drinks containers will incentivise consumers to move away from a throwaway culture to one that returns valuable materials.
When asked for their main reason for why the introduction of the DRS is a good idea, 48% of consumers believe the Deposit Return Scheme will encourage or incentivise recycling while 33% believe it will reduce waste or litter.
From 1 February onwards, drinks in plastic bottles and cans with the Re-turn logo will start to appear in shops and supermarkets nationwide.
From this date, when consumers purchase these drinks containers featuring the Re-turn logo, they will pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the price of the product.
A deposit of 15 cents will apply to drinks containers from 150ml to 500mls and a deposit of 25 cents for containers over 500ml to 3 litres.
Consumers can return their empty undamaged plastic bottles and cans featuring the Re-turn logo to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide and receive a full deposit refund.
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said the positive feedback on the introduction of deposit return has been really encouraging.
"We appreciate that this is a big behavioural change and are delighted to see that we have such support. It is also very interesting to note how many of those surveyed are concerned about the impact of their recycling behaviour on future generations," Mr Foley said.
"We have no doubt that Ireland will embrace this change and support our efforts to achieve EU recycling targets and reduce litter and waste," he added.
