Nuala Fennell
Question:52 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for the Environment the number of local authorities who have programmes for collection and recycling of (1) paper, (2) glass and (3) cans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Recycling Programme.
Some 23 local authorities have so far prepared recycling schemes following my request to them in accordance with the environment action programme. I hope to have schemes from the remaining ten waste authorities shortly.
The relevant departmental circular proposed a number of possibilities for waste recycling schemes, based principally on the concept of assistance by local authorities or other organisations and groups. These possibilities included a phased approach to recycling where effort might first be concentrated on establishing a glass recovery programme, followed by a programme for metal cans, with plastics and paper occupying a lesser short term priority due to practical recovery/pricing problems.
The recycling schemes which have been prepared by local authorities reflect these suggestions to varying degrees. I would hope that when these initial developments have been tried for some time we may, in line with the experience of countries now more advanced in recycling, be able to progress towards more ambitious waste recovery programmes.