Written answers

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Proposed Legislation

9:00 pm

Photo of Anthony LawlorAnthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 92: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the introduction of container deposit legislation in view of the fact that such legislation will not only reduce the incidence of plastic, glass bottle and aluminium can littering, as has occurred in other EU countries such as Germany and Denmark, but which will also create jobs in recycling centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25158/11]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) classifies items such as bottles, drink cans and containers as packaging. Deposit and refund schemes on such items can reduce litter and contribute to the recovery rates for packaging waste.

The Packaging Directive is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market. Under the Directive, the recovery rate of packaging waste required by Ireland in 2011 is 60%. Ireland had already achieved a rate of 70% in 2009. The material specific recycling targets for glass of 60% and for metals of 50% had also been achieved by Ireland in 2009 – the recycling rate for these materials being 76% and 50% respectively.

Rather than being content with this level of performance, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to drive a waste reduction programme as part of a sustainable waste strategy. One of the possible elements of this waste reduction programme is a levy on packaging.

I recently consulted with industry, other stakeholders and the public on a possible levy on packaging. This consultation closed on Friday 5 August 2011 and the submissions and comments received are currently being examined. Any decision regarding deposit and refund schemes will be taken as part of the overall response to dealing with the issue of packaging.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.