I propose to take Question Nos. 146, 147, 155, 158 and 166 together.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, which was published in September 2020, details a range of measures that will be adopted to achieve optimum results in the area of plastics and packaging over the coming years. The over-riding objective is to ensure that all packaging placed on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
The announcement last week that soft plastics can now be disposed of in the domestic recycling bin is an example of a very significant step to help Ireland move onto the right trajectory – to increase recycling rates while also helping to reach EU recycling targets.
Other measures contained in the Plan include:
- The introduction of eco modulated fees whereby producers’ fees will reduce in line with the recycling content of their packaging products;
- A ban from the 3rd July this year on a range of single-use plastic items;
- The introduction next year of a deposit and refund scheme on plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans;
- An environmentally ambitious approach to the European Commission’s review of the essential requirements for packaging reduction- with proposals due in Q4 of 2021; and
- A commitment to drive higher levels of segregation and to support investment in treatment capacity.