Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

248. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if all her Department’s buildings have recycling arrangements in place; if not, the steps that are being taken to ensure that the recycling of workplace waste is facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49553/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Social Protection is committed to ensuring responsible management of resources over their life cycle and the appropriate disposal of workplace waste.

Recycling, organic waste, and general waste collection services are in operation in each Departmental location. In addition to individual desktop paper recycling trays available to staff, there are segregated bins on each office floor and in canteens for recycling, organic waste, and general waste.

My Department uses confidential document-shredding services which double-shred documents prior to their being recycled as paper pulp. The collection and recycling of electrical goods is facilitated through Waste Electrical Electronic and Equipment (WEEE) Recycling Specialists‎. There are also arrangements in place for the collection of batteries and printer cartridges.

Through regular communications to all staff, my Department’s Climate Action Unit raises environmental awareness and encourages responsible resource usage, including recycling, throughout the organisation. This work is supported by the Department’s Green Teams, which have been established to promote Green initiatives and sustainable practices at local level.