Written answers

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Waste Disposal

2:30 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 367: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent of public education programmes and other programmes now in place to implement a food waste strategy with the target of reducing fresh food waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21883/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) was established in April 2004 in accordance with the policy document Preventing and Recycling Waste – Delivering Change. Implementation of the Programme is a matter for the EPA. A National Waste Prevention Committee (NWPC), which includes a broad stakeholder group including governmental, non-governmental, business and sectoral interests, was also established to provide strategic direction for the EPA in implementing the Programme. The aim is to deliver substantive results on waste prevention and minimisation and integrate a range of initiatives addressing awareness-raising, technical and financial assistance, training and incentive mechanisms.

In 2009, the EPA published a new Prevention Plan 2009 – 2012 which is a framework statement of intent for work to be completed, subject to resources, on the Prevention Programme for the four-year period to 2012. A key part of the plan is the marketing and promotion of prevention opportunities available to all organisations and householders. The Programme will be resourced as necessary to reduce the volume of waste and with a view to building on its success to date. In particular, in accordance with the importance attributed to prevention in the Waste Framework Directive, my Department will work with the EPA and all relevant stakeholders to deliver an effective programme which supports those homes and businesses which seek to reduce their production of residual waste.

The Department will also work with the EPA on the development of a National Food Waste Prevention Programme, as outlined in the renewed Programme for Government. The EPA's website contains a list of useful resources in relation to food waste such as the "Less Food Waste" booklet, with advice on preventing food waste in the catering sector, "Calling Time on Waste" booklet, with advice on preventing food waste in pubs, and the "Stopfoodwaste.ie" website with tips on food waste prevention in the home and home composting.

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