Cup deposit scheme to be considered in Limerick city to boost environment
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O'Donovan hopes measure will see cafes spending less on paper cups
A PILOT scheme is to be considered in Limerick, where people pay a deposit on a take-away cup they use, refundable if it is returned.
Senior council engineer Aidan Finn confirmed the idea was being explored in response to a notice of motion at this month’s metropolitan district meeting.
The author of that motion, Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan feels this would reduce the number of single-use take-away cups being used in the city.
She wants to see the scheme piloted in partnership with local cafes, and 2GoCup, an Irish company focused on providing reusable bowls and cups for businesses.
Cllr O’Donovan said numerous people had contacted her about this.
“Before Covid-19, we were good at bringing our cups and eliminating waste. But since then, we have seen a marked increase in single-use coffee cups,” she said.
The City West councillor said many people she had spoken with, who did bring reusable cups to cafes were told they could not use them for hygiene reasons.
“I think there is something we can do as a council to try and encourage this. It is in line with the city centre plan to see how we can incentivise businesses to be more sustainable,” she said.
Cllr O’Donovan suggested a cup be loaned for a set amount, perhaps €2 on top of what people pay for their drink.
“If they bring the cup back, they’d get the deposit back,” she explained.
It is a “win-win” for both the environment and coffee shops, she argued, because it will cut the amount business owners are spending buying single use cups.
Her motion was seconded by party colleague, Cllr Shane Hickey-O’Mara and also supported by Independent councillor Ursula Gavan.
In a written response, Mr Finn confirmed council is linking up with the Southern Regional Waste Planning Office to progress a green business hub in the metropolitan district.
A pilot reusable cup scheme will be considered as part of this, he added.