Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a means can be found to incentivise a reduction in the use of non-biodegradable plastic wrappings and containers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35418/20]
View answerI recently launched a new Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy which includes a range of ambitious measures to reform and strengthen how we manage our waste with specific measures designed to tackle single use plastics and plastic packaging. The plan commits to ensuring that all packaging placed on the market is reusable or recyclable by 2030. This will be achieved through the eco-modulation of extended producer responsibility fees whereby recyclable packaging will have substantially reduced fees while non-recyclable, composite packaging and over-packaging will attract a heavier fee. Other notable issues detailed in the plan in the area of plastics and packaging include the introduction of a deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles and cans, a ban on certain single use plastics from July 2021and a levy on disposable cups as a precursor to their eventual banning.
