Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:11 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he is taking to bring about a reduction in the amount of unnecessary packaging being produced for suppliers. [9502/96]
Written Answers. - Unnecessary Packaging.
Measures for the prevention and minimisation of packaging waste have already been announced under the industry-led REPAK initiative and will be further developed under the Waste Management Act, 1996. Section 28 (2) of the Act provides that persons carrying on activities of an agricultural, commercial or industrial nature must take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent or minimise waste from that activity. The Act contains extensive provision for measures which can be applied by Regulations to promote waste prevention and minimisation. Waste prevention will also be supported by the application of higher standards generally in relation to waste disposal and the application of the "polluterpays" principle.