Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
292. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of a recently introduced paper cup recycling initiative (details supplied) in Ranelagh endorsed by Dublin City Council; if he will consider exploring similar take-back schemes as an alternative to punitive measures such as levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30368/26]
View answerI can confirm that officials in the Department have been made aware of the paper cup recycling initiative in Ranelagh. The composition and condition of waste single beverage cups make the collection and recycling of these cups difficult for the waste treatment system. Reusing cups is a more sustainable option and preferred by the waste hierarchy embedded in EU and Irish law. Nonetheless, the Department will monitor the progress and outcomes of the Ranelagh initiative, along with reuse initiatives in our communities which support our wider efforts to promote sustainable consumption and reduce reliance on single-use products.
Furthermore, I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question numbered 245 of 24 February 2026 which states:
Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of single-use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.
In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).
Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single-use cup consumption effectively. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps.
Any future regulations will first be subject to a public consultation, and will include an SME test.
