Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2020
23. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he has developed initiatives to extend full household recycling to apartment developments which do not now provide them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34001/20]
View answerThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, which I launched in September this year, contains a commitment to deliver behavioural change campaigns for individuals, businesses and the public sector to encourage improved waste segregation and recycling. The plan contains the following specific commitments in relation to waste collection for apartment dwellers: - We will work with relevant stakeholders to improve waste segregation in apartment complexes;
- We will develop a quality waste management assurance scheme for businesses - including apartments serviced by management companies;
- We will work with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make regulatory changes in planning and tenancy laws to ensure apartment dwellers are provided with infrastructure to support food waste segregation.
Work has already commenced in determining which stakeholders are needed to progress these commitments and an initial stakeholder engagement with representative organisations is planned before the end of the year. Work has already taken place with some local authorities examining the issues around managing waste in apartments. In addition, the incorporation of recycling targets into waste collection permits will incentivise the waste collection industry to drive enhanced waste segregation including for apartment complexes.
