In an article published on September 16, 2019, news broadcaster RTÉ informed that Ireland is considering a nationwide ban on single use plastics, as well as introducing fees to manufacturers that wrap food products in non-recyclable plastic. The Irish Minister for Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, announced at a waste summit in Dublin that the ban could be applied to single-use cutlery, plates, straws, polystyrene cups and food containers, and cotton bud sticks. “All along the supply chain we can do better – 70 percent 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,” Bruton said. The country is reported to be targeting a 90% collection target for single-use plastic bottles, and discussions are considering introduction of a deposit return scheme. These strategies are largely in response to the Irish government’s new climate action plan as well as in preparation for the EU-wide single-use plastic bans that will be coming into effect (FPF reported).
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George Lee (September 16, 2019). “Minister working on strategy to ban single-use plastics” RTE
Jordan Davidson (September 17, 2019). “Ireland to Reduce Waste by Cutting out All Single-Use Plastic” EcoWatch
Kevin O’Sullivan (September 26, 2019). “Government to ban single-use plastics in waste sector overhaul.” The Irish Times
