Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
287. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to phase out usage of aluminium trays as containers for food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20562/21]
View answerAluminium trays, in common with other aluminium receptacles, are very compatible for multiple recycling. These trays can be placed in the household recycling bin once they have been cleaned and dried. In a European context, packaging that meets the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC, which this material does, is guaranteed free circulation in the European Economic Area. There are therefore no plans to phase out the usage of this material. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy details the measures that will be adopted to achieve optimum results in the area of packaging waste including a commitment to ensuring that all packaging on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
