Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2022
74. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if all his Department's buildings have recycling arrangements in place; if not, the steps that are being taken to ensure that the recycling of workplace waste is facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 includes the goal of protecting and restoring our environment through sustainable resource use as part of the transition to a Circular Economy.
The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 underpins Ireland’s shift from a "take-make-waste" linear model to a more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, that retains the value of resources in our economy for as long as possible and that will to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
My Department has recycling arrangements in place for many years now. Actions taken to date include:
- Replacement of single waste bins in the canteen and kitchenettes of with segregated bins for organic waste, recycling and general waste
- No more individual bins in offices
- Desk top paper recycling trays provided to all staff
- Multiple recycling points for paper and printer cartridges on every floor
- Single use plastic beverage and water cups eliminated from the canteen
- All staff provided with a reusable ‘keep cup’ and a reusable water bottle
- The non purchase of single use plastic utensils, plates or straws since the Government Decision of the 3 January 2019.
- Redundant IT equipment is also recycled.
Actions supported by an education and awareness raising programme that included lunch and learn sessions, features in the weekly Department newsletter, signage and information emails. The work of my Department’s Green Team has and will continue to make a real impact across the Department through a wide range of practical actions led by staff themselves. My Department also has a Resource Efficiency Action Plan which sets out targets to be achieved in each of the three key areas; waste, energy and water.
