Written answers

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Recycling Policy

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

407. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a limited number of public recycling facilities for plastics at recycling points located throughout County Donegal; the measures being taken to increase the prevalence of such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32533/16]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the waste industry began releasing, in June 2016, its proposed prices under the introduction of a mandatory pay-by-weight charging structure, the Government relayed its concern to the industry regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies. On foot of this, my Department engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that results in customers paying no more for the same level of service than they were paying in June 2016, for waste collection over the 12 months to 1 July 2017.

Regulations were signed on 30 June, 2016 to remove the requirement for mandatory pay-by-weight charging for household waste collection. However, it is still open to a company to charge on a pay-by-weight basis. If they are charging the same fee for the same level of service, then this does not run contrary to the agreement. Indeed, many companies already had a pay-by-weight element to their charging structure before the agreement was reached and many of their customers had opted for this approach. The Irish waste industry were directly involved in the discussions which led to the agreement. Any concerns or evidence of a company breaking the agreement can be brought to my attention or to the attention of my Department officials. Queries on this issue or on any matter which is waste related may be directed to the following email address:

My Department, in consultation with the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, had designed a public awareness campaign to coincide with the introduction of a mandatory pay-by-weight charging structure. However, with the removal of mandatory pay-by-weight charging, this campaign was withdrawn. As previously announced, a review of pay-by-weight is to take place prior to the end of the agreement in July 2017. Depending on the outcome of this review, a new publicity campaign will be rolled out as appropriate, which will highlight the importance of waste segregation and reduction in light of our need to reduce our reliance on landfill.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.