The Minister for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment is to imposed a 15c charge on disposable coffee cups to reduce waste.

Minister Denis Naughten announced the plans today, 07 November.

The Green Party said it was "happy" to accept the proposal as part of its Waste Reduction Bill 2017, which legislates for a total ban on non-recyclable or non-compostable coffee cups.

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Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "We are aware of the issues the French Government are having trying to introduce a total ban on non-recyclable, non-compostable coffee cups, and are willing to amend our Waste Reduction Bill 2017 to take on board the Minister's proposals when the Bill comes before the Oireachtas Environment Committee.

"The Minister is correct - every day two million throwaway coffee cups are sent to landfill. This needs to change. But it needs to be part of a broader clampdown on plastic waste. We're calling for the Minister to drop his opposition to a deposit refund scheme on bottles and drinks containers, and work with the Opposition to pass these important measures as soon as possible. We're happy to work with the Minister on these issues."

(CD/LM)