Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2021
53. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the potential impact that the deposit and return scheme will have on the cost of collecting domestic recycling bins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2871/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when it is planned to introduce a deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2902/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 56 together.
Under the Single Use Plastics Directive, Ireland must achieve a collection target of 90% recycling for plastic bottles by 2029 with an interim target of 77% by 2025. A report prepared by Eunomia for my Department concluded that the introduction of a deposit and return scheme (DRS) is essential if we are to reach these targets.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, launched last September, sets out a clear roadmap for the introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans in the third quarter of 2022. This process began with the launch of a public consultation on the design of a DRS for Ireland in October last. My officials are currently engaged in bi-lateral discussions with a range of stakeholders to progress the design of the system, including waste collectors, drinks producers and retailers and environmental NGOs. While the external report estimated that the introduction of a DRS might result in a small increase in the costs of collecting domestic waste this issue will be considered in detail during these discussions and in the detailed design of the scheme itself.
