Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

225. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 15 October 2024, the status of that report; its findings and his views on the need to municipalise waste collection. [33854/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The study to explore the feasibility, potential benefits and risks associated with transitioning our waste collection system from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system commenced in early 2025. The aim of this comprehensive year-long feasibility study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets.

It is timely at this stage in the implementation of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy to independently assess if our waste collection model can be enhanced to improve recycling rates by households and businesses. Notwithstanding the significant progress made in improving Ireland’s waste performance over recent years, Ireland’s municipal waste recycling rates have plateaued. The findings of this study will also help inform the next iteration of the Whole of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.

A Public Consultation to inform the study closed on the 4 June and garnered significant engagement. This consultation process was the first milestone and covered a range of issues including exploring measures to assist in achieving our EU recycling targets (current and future) while developing a more resource efficient economy.

Although the primary objective of the study is to identify policy options to enhance recycling rates with a view to meeting our EU targets, it will also include an assessment on the current waste collection model service efficiency and the cost to consumers.