Review of EPA 2011 National Waste Report

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the latest National Waste Report on the 25th March 2013. The report concluded that Ireland is currently achieving the majority of the EU waste recovery and recycling targets, however more still needs to be done. Environmental Consultants within AWN Consulting reviewed the report and can provide the following summary.

Since a peak in 2007 there has been an overall decline of 17% in municipal waste generation in Ireland. Although the population has increased since 2007, the recession and a decrease in personal consumption have impacted on household waste generation, which is a key contributing factor to the overall decrease of municipal waste generation. Currently 53% of municipal waste in Ireland is landfilled and 47% is recovered (including 7% incineration). Although Ireland is still dependent on landfill our recovery rate is the same as the EU average (40%).

The majority of municipal waste is exported for recovery (approx. 55%), continuing Irelands reliance on recovery of municipal recyclables aboard. However, there was an increase in the tonnage of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) recovered in Ireland in 2011. Overall, the recovery of municipal waste in Ireland is increasing and this will increase further with the introduction of more waste to energy incineration, RDF use and Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facilities.

Ireland is currently achieving the EU target set for the reduction of waste to landfill by 2010. However, the EPA does state Ireland is "at risk" of not meeting future EU targets on reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfills. 38% of household organic waste in the municipal waste is segregated and diverted from landfill. The three-way bin system was available to only 37% of householders in 2011 and a further roll out of this system and the implementation of the Household Food Waste and Biowaste Regulations should have a significant impact on the amount of organic waste going to landfill. 25% of commercial organic waste in the municipal waste is segregated and diverted from landfill. This indicates the 2009 Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations have not impacted on the amount of organic waste being segregated in the commercial sector.

The overall diversion targets for landfill in the future will not be met by source segregation of biodegradable waste on its own but rather in conjunction with waste to energy incineration, RDF use and MBT processes. This is particularly significant due to the opening of Ireland's first municipal waste to energy plant in October 2011. As stated in the report "in order to ensure compliance with future EU targets (particularly as the economy recovers), effort in waste prevention, diversion to recovery and the development of necessary supporting infrastructure must continue".

There are currently 21 municipal landfills accepting municipal solid waste for disposal, 16 managed by Local Authorities and 5 are run by the private sector. The total amount of municipal waste disposed in these landfills has dropped by 10% since 2010. The national landfill capacity at the end of 2011 was 15 mega tonnes. If the 2011 rates of disposal continue there will be enough capacity to last until circa 2022 (dependent on the Bottlehill, Cork site being developed).

The amount of hazardous waste generated in 2011 is similar to 2010. Industry is the main generator of hazardous waste with 22% is treated by industry themselves, 31% is sent to commercial hazardous waste facilities and 47% is exported. The EPA are currently reviewing the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan and this will set out the priority actions required to ensure prevention of hazardous waste and improve Ireland's self-sufficiency in hazardous waste management.
 

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