Machines used for recycling bottles and cans in the recently announced Re-turn scheme are not suitable for people with disabilities.

Local councillor Marie Moloney the scheme gave no consideration to people with disabilities when designing and implementing the bottles and cans return machines.
“Wheelchair users cannot access the slot for inserting the bottles and cans as it is too high and out of their reach. This was total negligence on behalf of Re-turn and indeed Minister Smyth who should have issued a directive to make provision for people with disabilities,” she said.
“Not only are wheelchair user precluded from using the deposit return machines but people with impaired vision also have difficulties in operating the machines as there is no braille marking on the machines.
“Many people with disabilities are very independent and lead independent lives and returning their used cans and bottles should not be an obstacle for them. They should not be forced to ask for help at these machines. Likewise, people with impaired vision should not be put in a position to have to ask someone to operate the machine for them.”