Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2024
23. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he considers it appropriate that waste collection companies pass on the cost of the deposit return scheme to households; if he has spoken to waste collection companies to discuss this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29978/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans is one of the most positive consumer behaviour initiatives to happen in this country for decades – similar to the plastic bags initiative, or the ban on harmful cigarette smoke in our workplaces.
Every day now, over 3 million plastic bottles and cans are being returned by consumers themselves, which is remarkable and testament to the success of the initiative.
In developing the DRS, the Department has engaged extensively with all stakeholders:
• The Department established a DRS sub-group of the national Waste Advisory Group with representatives from the producers, retailers, environmental NGOs and the waste sector. The minutes from those meetings are published on the Department’s gov.ie website.
• A public consultation was carried out in October 2020 on the potential models for a DRS. This consultation, along with copies of submissions received, has been published on the Department’s gov.ie website.
• A second public consultation was carried out in April 2021 on the proposed legislative framework and scope of the DRS. This consultation, along with copies of submissions received, has also been published on the Department’s gov.ie website.
Household waste collection in Ireland is mainly carried out by private companies – operating in a competitive market under a local authority permit system.
The Department is currently engaging with the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) and other stakeholders such as REPAK – to quantify what substantive impact, if any, the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will have on the waste collection system in Ireland over the longer term.
