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Joseph Doherty, Managing Director of Re-Gen Waste in Newry and member of Defra’s Advisory Committee on Packaging, has welcomed the results of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Consultation for the reduction of single-use plastic beverage cups and food containers.
Doherty said "We were very pleased to participate in the consultation on three policy options which will assist DAERA. The options available were a voluntary scheme, levy and a ban. The consultation will go far in providing direction to promote the reduction of single-use plastic cups and food containers to increase recycling, improve reuse and reduce litter.
"In my opinion, Plastic single-use cups, card single-use cups lined with plastic and takeaway food containers should be included in the scope of the proposed policy. We don’t believe it is practicable to include pre-filled, plastic-lined food containers in the future policy. An individual at the shop or takeaway makes an informed decision to use a single-use plastic container or cup, whereas a person using pre-filled containers does not have the choice.
"A ban on single-use plastics is not realistic given how embedded they are in many people’s lives. We’re not supportive of a levy due to economic impact on householders in particular, but also on the government and businesses."
Doherty doesn't support a ban on single-use plastics but thinks we can be pushing their reduction, reuse and recycling capability.
The UK Government’s recycling target is 65 per cent of all waste by 2035 and Doherty believes R&D needs time and investment especially if the ban is introduced soon with significant impact on producers, retailers and consumers. "Card, glass and metal are great materials, but they don’t offer the versatility and ‘long life’ that plastic offers. It is important that food remains in optimal condition so that it reaches the consumer without any decay or contamination." he said.
The Re-Gen Director believes the biggest issue is paper cups lined with plastic because the two materials can’t be separated in the recycling process. He also thinks that recycling should be made as easy as possible for householders.
39 per cent of the respondents to the Consultation said that a ban of single-use plastics was the preferred option to meet the goals of the legislation but Doherty wonders 'Is there another option?' as he believes there is a huge risk of unintended consequences.
"In my opinion, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is best placed to monitor the impact of the measures. To be effective and successful, there needs to be a communications plan to provide clear guidance on the measures, their scope, obligations of all involved and actions to be taken. It is essential there is transparency in respect of penalties for non-compliance which may involve fines. Trading Standards would be best placed to provide impartial enforcement of the system.
"I also believe that the collection of levies should be distributed to encourage recycling, on litter campaigns, and for the regulation and enforcement of the measures."
Check out the consultation results at www.daera-ni.gov.uk
