Over 200kg of waste packaging, 59kg of which is plastic, is generated per person every year in Ireland, above average among our EU neighbours. Food waste alone costs homeowners âĴ700 a year and accounts for a loss of âĴ1 billion to our enterprises.
Minister Bruton announced that he is developing a new waste strategy which will:
- Ban single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks, cotton bud sticks, polystyrene cups and food containers
- Introduce fees on non-recyclable plastics, like on food packaging in supermarkets
- Halve food waste
- End the use of non-recyclable plastic
- Double the rate of recycled material used
- Increase the recycling rate of plastic packaging by 60%
- Cut dependence on landfill by 60%
- The introduction of environmental levies, such as a levy on single-use plastics, is also being considered.
Minister Bruton said:
“Managing our resources properly is crucial to securing a better, more sustainable Ireland for future generations. It is central to the Climate Action Planâ 60% of greenhouse gas emissions come from our use of materials.
“All along the supply chain we can do better- 70% of food waste is avoidable, half of the material we use is not being segregated properly, two-thirds of plastic used is not on the recycling list and labels are confusing.
The Minister has asked the breakout sessions to consider a number of items, such as:
- How we can eliminate unnecessary packaging and put in place sustainable alternatives
- How we can increase the amount of recycled and recyclable material used
- The potential to use levies to change behaviour
- How we can combat food waste
The Minister said,
“We are now deciding how to chart the route ahead. I am determined to step up ambition and put in place strong policy tools to deliver on our new targets. Today is a chance to shape that roadmap. Leadership in this area is crucial if we are to secure a more sustainable, resilient Ireland for future generations.”
The Summit, which will take place in the Irish Management Institute, is being attended by over 100 key representatives.