Ireland – Government publishes study and consultation on chewing gum, fast-food packaging and ATM receipt litter

A Irish Government commissioned study has presented a number of options to tackle litter, including the possibility of a 10% levy on chewing gum. The Study proposes that the money raised by any levy would go towards the cost of cleaning up chewing gum litter on street pavements and other environmental measures.



The study, which focussed on chewing gum, fast food packaging and ATM (automated teller machine) receipts, was published by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Martin Cullen TD.



On chewing gum, the Study proposes either:

a mandatory 10% levy (average 5-cent per pack) on chewing gum purchases. The money raised (estimated EUR4-5m per annum) would meet part of the social cost associated with chewing gum

a negotiated agreement between Government and Industry aimed at developing industry funded strategies to tackle chewing gum litter

On fast food packaging, the study recommends:



a negotiated agreement between Government and the fast-food industry involving increased litter bin capacity (funded by the industry) close to fast food outlets and the branding of all fast food packaging with the outlets name. It would also include improved management systems for litter control in the immediate vicinity of fast food outlets. Failure to deliver on agreed targets would result in the introduction of a ‘‘point of sale‘‘ levy of 2% of price charged in respect of fast food consumed off premises. Such a levy would raise an estimated EUR3.7m per annum



On ATM receipts, the Study recommends:



a negotiated agreement between Government and the banking sector aimed at reducing instances of ATM receipt litter. Failure to deliver on agreed targets would result in the introduction of a 1-cent levy on ATM transactions. Such a levy would raise an estimated EUR400,000 per annum



Announcing a 4-week period to allow the public to comment on the Study, Minister Cullen said he hoped the Study would not only lead to public debate on how we can tackle litter but also encourage people to think about how littering is "unsightly and expensive".



He said: "Concerted and innovative action is required to if we are to successfully address the litter problem in Ireland. The plastic bag levy is proof that litter levies if applied properly can work. Numerous litter reports have show that chewing gum is a problem on our streets."



Minister Cullen said the study provides a solid basis for developing effective responses to these forms of litter pollution. "Before making a definitive decision on the matter, I think it is important to allow the general public, interested stakeholders and NGOs to participate in the debate on the study‘‘s findings. Upon completion of the public consultation, the various comments and submissions will be assessed, brought to Government for consideration and a decision announced", he said.



The Minister added that he had commissioned the study against the background of two reports by the Litter Monitoring Body which had identified these items as particularly problematic forms of litter. In the most recent report by the Litter Monitoring Body for 2003 chewing gum accounts for 28.26% of all litter.



In 2002, chewing gum was identified as the single largest component in the food litter category, and as the second largest component of overall litter after cigarettes. Fast-food take-away packaging was identified as the largest component in the packaging litter category, while ATM receipts were identified as a significant element of paper litter. "The two Litter Monitoring Body Reports provide valuable statistical data in relation to litter pollution in Ireland and justification for the introduction of effective measures to deal with these problem areas", the Minister added. "While positive progress has been made on