Written answers

Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Waste Disposal

Photo of Mick BarryMick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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333. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps his Department is taking and plans to take with respect to the growing use of non-recyclable disposable hot drink cups; the data being collected on these receptacles entering the waste disposal system; and the guidance which has issued to local authorities on the matter. [18373/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I am responsible for the administration of the EU Packaging Directive which is transposed in Ireland by the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014.

Under the Regulations, at least 60% of packaging waste must be recovered and 55% must be recycled. The most recent Waste Packaging Statistics for Ireland published by the EPA in May 2016 show that Ireland has met and exceeded the overall packaging waste recovery rate and the recycling rate targets since they came into force.

In accordance with the waste hierarchy, prevention and re-use are the most desirable options for managing waste and the increase in usage of reusable coffee cups instead of those made partially or wholly of plastic is a positive development in that respect. However, if an item is certified compostable in accordance with EN Standards, it means that it will break down into nutrient-rich soil within an 8-12 week time-frame when commercially composted. Compostable packaging, including coffee cups, can as a consequence be organically recycled along with food waste in the organic brown bin. More Brown Bin information is available at .

Repak is the approved producer responsibility compliance scheme for packaging in Ireland and it is tasked with meeting recovery and recycling targets established under the EU Packaging Directive.

As the plastic cups comprise of composite materials, they cannot be easily recycled. However, these cups are recovered and are not sent to landfill, but are sent for waste to energy.

In addition to the above, I will be considering the potential for the introduction of new environmental levies, such as one on disposable cups,  to encourage improved environmental behaviour by the public and industry in the context of the Review of the Environment Fund that is planned for later this year.

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