Independent TD Michael Lowry has called for a policy review in respect to farm plastics.
The close of the Chinese recycling market in 2017 brought a change to where we recycle Irish farm plastic. However, Ireland has an amber status placed on its farm plastic waste by Dublin City Council that incurs stringent transport requirements and charges to export internationally.
Stockpiles
This has restricted exports and left stockpiles of farm plastic in the country.
“In light of the current market conditions, does the Government acknowledge that it is time for a policy review in respect of farm plastics,” said Lowry.
He outlined what could be done to reduce the stockpiles:
Establish a strategy for building a national farm plastic recycling facility.Review the export status of farm plastic. Ensure the equitable distribution of the producers levy among all licensed assemblers and shippers of plastic.“The Government needs to acknowledge that its waste management policy in respect of farm plastic over the last 20 years has been an exercise in short-term thinking, dealing only with the collection of farm plastic, with no long-term strategy for creating a national farm plastic recycling facility,” he said.
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Independent TD Michael Lowry has called for a policy review in respect to farm plastics.
The close of the Chinese recycling market in 2017 brought a change to where we recycle Irish farm plastic. However, Ireland has an amber status placed on its farm plastic waste by Dublin City Council that incurs stringent transport requirements and charges to export internationally.
Stockpiles
This has restricted exports and left stockpiles of farm plastic in the country.
“In light of the current market conditions, does the Government acknowledge that it is time for a policy review in respect of farm plastics,” said Lowry.
He outlined what could be done to reduce the stockpiles:
Establish a strategy for building a national farm plastic recycling facility.Review the export status of farm plastic. Ensure the equitable distribution of the producers levy among all licensed assemblers and shippers of plastic.“The Government needs to acknowledge that its waste management policy in respect of farm plastic over the last 20 years has been an exercise in short-term thinking, dealing only with the collection of farm plastic, with no long-term strategy for creating a national farm plastic recycling facility,” he said.
Read more
New plant to bring plastic recycling costs down
Silage wrap safe from single-use plastics ban
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