Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
141. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the obligations of takeaway venues in respect of waste management; and if he plans to introduce new measures which would reduce the amount of throwaway containers and create greater obligations to contribute to litter management. [23650/21]
View answerSection 16 of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, as amended, gives considerable powers to local authorities in respect of imposing special measures regarding litter on certain operations, including takeaway venues. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy commits to substantially reducing the amount of single use plastic cups and food containers we use. Measures to achieve this include the introduction of levies, similar to the plastic bag levy. Producers have a role to play in cutting down on the amount of these items we use and, under the current Extended Producer Responsibility model, they will be liable for the costs of litter clean up associated with the products they place on the market.In addition, I recently announced the allocation of €5m in additional funding for litter infrastructure and awareness campaigns to encourage people to dispose of their rubbish thoughtfully, in the context of an outdoor summer. The funding will add more recycling and litter facilities to meet increased demand but there is an onus on all of us to make a conscious effort to leave no trace.
