John Bruton
Ceist:106 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if a monopoly exists in the purchase of glass for recycling; and if this has any effect on the profitability of the collection of glass for recycling purposes.
Written Answers. - Glass Recycling.
I understand that there is only one company, in the whole of the island of Ireland, in the business of purchasing glass for recycling purposes. I am not aware of the effects of this situation on the profitability of the collection of glass for such purposes but I am advised that the relative smallness of the market and the collection and sorting costs involved in recycling have a significant impact on the economic viability of the business. For these reasons, the Department of the Environment operate a recycling grants scheme relating mainly to the provision of bottle banks.
I also understand that the Minister for the Environment is arranging for an appraisal of the current recycling scheme and for proposals on the further development of recycling.