UCC team says no public health threat from recycling machines

Deposit return machines for recycling cans and plastic bottles in Ireland do not pose a biological risk to public health, researchers at University College Cork (UCC) have found.

The findings come following public commentary which raised concerns that the machines pose issues in relation to hygiene and infection control.

A team led by Dr John Mac Sharry at UCC’s school of microbiology, analysed samples from the machine and found no threat to public health.

Mr Mac Sharry said: “While the call for general cleanliness is valid, it is important to look at the actual microbial ecology of these machines to avoid unnecessary public alarm.”

“Our data indicates that the organisms present are overwhelmingly ‘fermenters’, primarily common environmental yeasts and non-pathogenic bacteria that naturally thrive on the trace sugars and alcohol left in unrinsed containers,” he added.

“These fermenting microbes can produce strong, unpleasant odours, and the sugary residue can attract pests like flies during the warmer months. 

"However, our findings show that these microbes act as a nuisance rather than a direct health threat.”