The cost of a takeaway coffee could be on the rise if a new ‘latte levy’ is introduced in Ireland.
A tax of 15 cent could soon be added to coffees to go in an effort to encourage people to use reusable cups.
The Irish Independent today reports that a levy is being considered by the Government in a similar way to the plastic bag levy.
Up to two million disposable coffee cups are trashed each day in Ireland, and many are not recyclable because of plastic heat-retention materials.
Environment Minister Denis Naughten told Independent.ie that a reusable cup scheme is being considered to tackle the waste problem, while best practice and international research will be carried out before any levy is introduced.
Minister Naughten previously told a Dáil Éireann Debate: “As a society, we discard an incredible 80% of what we produce after a single use. It gravely concerns me that 2 million disposable coffee cups a day are going to our landfills.”
Minister Naughten said he has already engaged in talks with franchise giants Insomnia and Supermacs on the issue.
Let us know what you think: Are there enough facilities to support the use of reusable cups in Donegal? Would you continue buying disposable coffees if they had a price increase?
