CSNA raises concerns over Re-Turn fees
The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association highlights concerns over Re-Turn handling fees and retailer support
Print15 July 2026
The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA) has recently advised members with Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) that Re-Turn has communicated the outcome of its review into the 2.2 cent handling fee.
Apart from the introduction of a new €2,000 grant for retailers with an annual throughput of more than 250,000 but fewer than 500,000 containers, the handling fee and the existing €4,000 grant for years one to three remain unchanged.
Significant challenges
CSNA president Sara Orme and vice president Flora Crowe told the Oireachtas Environment Committee last week that participation in the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was creating significant challenges for many CSNA members.
They also highlighted the “fairer and more retailer-respectful” handling fee model introduced under the UK and Northern Ireland Exchange for Change scheme.
Under that model, the first 225,000 containers attract a handling fee of five pence each, with additional containers credited at 1.3 pence.
Grant support is also available, beginning three months after an RVM is installed.
The company has announced a £60 million budget to support 10,000 small and medium-sized businesses.
CSNA said its meeting will examine the new grant system, which has yet to be paid, along with the appeals process that was promised following the review.
The association also noted that handling fees were set in 2023, while there have since been three increases in the National Minimum Wage.
It said labour costs are widely recognised as the highest ongoing expense associated with maintaining Reverse Vending Machines.
CSNA said it will advise members of the outcome.
Read more: CSNA reminds retailers of licence deadline
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