Re-turn scheme: Medics call for 'infection-control' over sticky can risk of 'microbial growth', rodents and flies

Medical professionals in Ireland have raised concerns about hygiene risks linked to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which was introduced in February 2024. Dr Mick Molloy, an emergency medicine consultant at Wexford General Hospital, Nandakumar Ravichandran, a public health expert at UCD, and Dr Walter Cullen, a GP and professor at UCD, warned that residual liquids from alcohol and sugary drinks in returned containers can support microbial growth, particularly at ambient temperatures. The experts highlighted exposure risks for retail staff, logistics workers, and maintenance personnel who interact with reverse vending machines (RVMs). They noted that no published infection-control protocols currently exist for the scheme, despite its success in increasing recycling rates for plastic bottles and aluminum/steel cans. In their article for the *Irish Medical Journal*, the authors emphasized that residual liquids could attract flies and rodents, especially near food storage areas. While most containers are processed quickly through structured collection systems, they stressed the need for public guidance encouraging consumers to empty and rinse containers before return. The trio urged Re-turn and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop evidence-based hygiene and safety guidelines. They argued that integrating infection-prevention measures would ensure the DRS operates safely and sustainably, maintaining public confidence while minimizing health risks for those involved in the process.