Vol. 397 No. 9
247 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to establish a programme of measures which would be put in place to promote the use of biodegradable alternatives and the recycling, where possible, of non-biodegradable materials in relation to the provision of containers' and packaging; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As a first step my Department the preparing to commission a feasibility study of the potential for use in this country of biodegradable forms of containers and packaging. As regard the recycling of nonbiodegradable materals, my Department have already introduced a number of measures with the object of promoting a higher level of activity in consumer waste recycling. These include a scheme of capital grant assistance for the promotion of recycling projects by local authorities, voluntary bodies and other interests. Local authorities have been asked to prepare schemes identifying recycling possibilities in their areas and setting out the extent to which they will promote and assist such activities.
