Cllr welcomes bill that will introduce 20c coffee cup levy
The new bill that will add a 20c levy on disposable cups, has been welcomed by Cllr Sarah Reilly.
The Fine Gael councillor is the founder of the Meath Clean Cup Campaign, which started in Kells in July 2021.
The campaign aims to reduce the number of disposable cups going to landfills.
“The Circular Economy Bill has a range of excellent measures in it. “Obviously, the one that I am most interested in is the 20c levy on disposable cups. 22,000 coffee cups go into landfills every hour in Ireland.
“200 million go to landfills every year. The numbers are ridiculous and need to be tackled. “
Cllr Reilly explained that it is expected that the levy will come into effect in the Autumn.
She noted that although there are health concerns regarding accepting reusable cups during Covid that studies had shown that these fears are unfounded.
“It is expected that the levy will be introduced in the fourth quarter. I understand that there have been some concerns regarding the use of reusable cups during Covid but public health guidelines have shown that they are safe.”
The Kells district councillor explained that 85 per cent of businesses in Kells have signed up to the campaign and other towns are now following suit.
She also explained the process involved.
“The uptake in Kells town has been fantastic with 85 per cent of businesses on board. I’ve also been delighted in recent months to welcome businesses in Oldcastle, Fordstown, Moynalty, Carlanstown, Nobber, and Navan. GAA Clubs and secondary schools are also coming on board.
“To be fair, signing up to the campaign could not be easier. All businesses need to do is sign the Clean Cup Pledge. There are four elements to the pledge, the most important being that the business actively welcomes the use of reusable cups.”
Encouraging businesses to get involved Cllr Reilly said the initiative was well endorsed and supported.
“Signing the Clean Cup Pledge is free and easy. Moreover, the campaign is supported and endorsed by The Meath Climate Action Forum and Boyne Valley Tourism and as such is recognized positively. “
Other notable elements in the Circular Economy Bill include CCTV to detect and deter illegal dumping and mandatory segregation of commercial waste.