Illegal dumping and littering have escalated over time, and authorities will now be allowed to use enhanced CCTV to detect and prevent unsightly litter under a new bill approved by Cabinet on Wednesday. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD described the publication of the bill as a “landmark moment”.
Government also plans to enable the processing of personal data to be carried out by local authorities tasked with enforcing litter and waste law. The Government’s rationale being to provide a deterrent to littering and illegal dumping, while at the same time, “respecting the privacy rights of citizens through robust safeguards”.
Ossian Smyth TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, said that, “This bill aims to stop the wasteful pattern of using valuable resources once and then just binning them. From discouraging the use of single-use items, to improving the process for allowing recycled materials onto the market, this legislation will support the development of sustainable products and business models across the economy.”
So, fly-tipping will be discouraged going forward, as Government says this is a “blight across the country”. The Circular Economy Bill also initiates a mandatory segregation and incentivised charging regime for commercial waste, including that from farm and other agri-food businesses.
Other measures incorporated in the bill include a phasing out of single use coffee cups and the introduction of prohibitions on exploration for and the extraction of coal, lignite and oil shale.