A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy has been announced by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Eamon Ryan TD, who is also Leader of the Green Party, said the new plan includes halving food waste by 2030, the introduction of a deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles and cans, a ban on certain single use plastics from July 2021, and a levy on disposable cups.

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He said: "We all know that our current model of production and consumption is unsustainable in terms of resource use, waste disposal, climate change and loss of biodiversity. What we need to do is rethink our relationship with our stuff – how we produce it, use it and dispose of it. This plan sets out how we will go about that in a way that benefits people and planet.

"Every sector, every household, every business, and organisation across Ireland has a role to play in the transition to a circular economy. Through increased awareness, better-informed consumption decisions and buy-in to a shared responsibility, Ireland can become a leader in this field delivering environmental, social and economic benefits."