WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2005 - 2010 - County · PDF fileProject Title North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010 ... (MRF ’S) AND TRANSFER F ... North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010

NORTH EAST REGION

Louth County Council

Comhairle Chontae LughaíCavan County Council

Comhairle Chontae an Cabhain

Monaghan County Council

Comhairle Chontae MhuineacháinMeath County Council

Comhairle Chontae na Mhí

August 2011

WASTE MANAGEMENTPLAN 2005 - 2010

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET Client Meath County Council

Project Title North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010

Document Title Review Report 2010

Document No. MDR0783Rp0001

This Document Comprises

DCS TOC Text List of Tables List of Figures No. of Appendices

1

Rev. Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Office of Origin Issue Date

A01 For Client Approval E. Roche Larry O’Toole PJ Rudden Westpier 10/08/2011

C. Connery Eleanor Roche

B. McIntyre Carol Connery

K. O’Neill

D. Ward

North East Waste Management Plan

2005 – 2010

Review Report 2010

North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010 Review Report 2010

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... I 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................... III

2.1 NORTH EAST REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY ........................................................ III 2.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW 2010 ........................................................................ IV

2.2.1 Key Achievements ............................................................................................. v 3 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGET REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS .............................. IX 1 WASTE GENERATION IN THE NORTH EAST REGION ......................................................... 1 2 PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION ......................................................................................... 2

2.1 RESOURCES ................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 HOUSEHOLDS AND SCHOOLS 2005-2010 ......................................................................... 3 2.3 COMMUNITY 2005-2010 .................................................................................................. 4 2.4 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SECTOR 2005 - 2010 .............................................................. 5 2.5 LOCAL AUTHORITY 2005 - 2010 ....................................................................................... 7 2.6 HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE 2005 - 2010 ....................................................................... 9 2.7 AGRICULTURE SECTOR 2005 - 2010 ................................................................................ 9 2.8 SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 9

3 HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY .............................. 11 3.1 WASTE GENERATION ..................................................................................................... 11 3.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................... 11

3.2.1 Kerbside Collection ........................................................................................ 12 3.2.2 Recycling Centres .......................................................................................... 13 3.2.3 Bring Banks .................................................................................................... 15

3.3 WASTE RECYCLING RATE .............................................................................................. 17 3.4 WASTE CHARGES .......................................................................................................... 17 3.5 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE................................................................................... 18 3.6 UNCOLLECTED WASTE ................................................................................................... 19

4 COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY ............................. 20 4.1 GENERATION ................................................................................................................. 20 4.2 COLLECTION .................................................................................................................. 20 4.3 RECOVERY & RECYCLING .............................................................................................. 20

5 MUNICIPAL WASTE ARISINGS AND RECOVERY RATE .................................................... 22 5.1 WASTE COMPOSITION .................................................................................................... 23

6 WASTE DISPOSAL ................................................................................................................. 25 6.1 EXISTING LANDFILLS ...................................................................................................... 25 6.2 MUNICIPAL WASTE DISPOSAL ......................................................................................... 25

7 WASTE MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE NORTH EAST REGION .............................................. 27 8 BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPAL WASTE ............................................................................... 28


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8.1 CURRENT POSITION ....................................................................................................... 29 8.2 BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF FOOD AND GARDEN WASTE ................................................. 30

8.2.1 Organic and Garden Waste Currently Treated in the North East Region ...... 30 8.3 RESIDUAL BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPAL WASTE (BMW) ................................................... 30

9 MUNICIPAL WASTE PROJECTIONS ..................................................................................... 32 10 INDUSTRIAL WASTE .............................................................................................................. 34 11 PACKAGING WASTE .............................................................................................................. 35

11.1 SELF COMPLIERS ........................................................................................................... 36 12 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION (C&D) WASTE ........................................................... 37

12.1 C&D RECOVERY/ DISPOSAL ........................................................................................... 37 13 PRIORITY WASTE STREAMS ................................................................................................ 39

13.1 WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) ........................................... 39 13.2 END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES (ELVS) ...................................................................................... 39 13.3 TYRES ........................................................................................................................... 40 13.4 STREET SWEEPINGS ...................................................................................................... 41 13.5 MINING & QUARRY WASTE ............................................................................................. 41 13.6 ASH .............................................................................................................................. 41 13.7 HEALTHCARE RISK WASTE ............................................................................................. 41 13.8 CONTAMINATED SOILS ................................................................................................... 42 13.9 AGRICULTURAL WASTE .................................................................................................. 42 13.10 SLUDGE (MUNICIPAL/INDUSTRIAL) .............................................................................. 43

14 ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATION .................................................................................... 45 14.1 REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION .......................................................................................... 45 14.2 LOCAL AUTHORITY IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................. 45 14.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS.................................................................................................... 46

14.3.1 Local Authority Enforcement Teams .............................................................. 46 14.3.2 Regulation and Enforcement .......................................................................... 46 14.3.3 National Enforcement Network and Training ................................................. 47 14.3.4 Reporting and Data Collection ....................................................................... 48 14.3.5 C&D Waste Enforcement ............................................................................... 48

14.4 ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS GOING FORWARD ........................................................... 49 14.4.1 Staff ................................................................................................................ 49 14.4.2 Dumping & Fly Tipping ................................................................................... 49 14.4.3 Un-Authorised Waste Operators .................................................................... 49

15 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ..................................................................................... 50 15.1 HEADLINE AND SERVICE INDICATORS .............................................................................. 50 15.2 PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION ..................................................................................... 51 15.3 RECYCLING OF MUNICIPAL WASTE ................................................................................. 51 15.4 RECOVERY OF ENERGY FROM WASTE ............................................................................ 52 15.5 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE ....................................................................... 52


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15.6 PACKAGING WASTE ....................................................................................................... 53 15.7 WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC WASTE ................................................................ 53 15.8 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE................................................................................... 54 15.9 LANDFILL DISPOSAL ....................................................................................................... 54

16 INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS - OVERVIEW ........................................................ 57 17 WASTE RECYCLING AND RECOVERY FACILICITIES ........................................................ 58

17.1 BRING BANKS ............................................................................................................. 58 17.2 WASTE RECYCLING CENTRES AND PERMITTED RECYCLING FACILITIES ............................. 58 17.3 KERBSIDE AND BIOWASTE COLLECTION .................................................................... 58 17.4 MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF’S) AND TRANSFER FACILITIES ............................. 58 17.5 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE RECYCLING FACILITIES .................................... 59

18 BIOLOGIAL TREATMENT/ORGANIC WASTE ...................................................................... 60 18.1 GREEN WASTE TREATMENT CAPACITY ........................................................................... 60 18.2 BIOWASTE TREATMENT CAPACITY .................................................................................. 60 18.3 OTHER BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT CAPACITY .................................................................... 60

19 ENERGY RECOVERY ............................................................................................................. 62 20 WASTE DISPOSAL ................................................................................................................. 63 21 PROPOSED INFASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS ............................................................ 66 22 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS .................................................................... 69

22.1 RECENT EU WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ................................................ 71 22.2 RECENT NATIONAL LEGISLATION .................................................................................... 72 22.3 ENERGY POLICIES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ................................................................ 77 22.4 RECENT NATIONAL POLICY ............................................................................................. 77 22.5 PENDING WASTE POLICY AND LEGISLATION .................................................................... 78

22.5.1 Direction of Waste Policy ............................................................................... 80 23 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ................................................................................. 84

23.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY OBJECTIVES ....................................................................... 86 24 WASTE PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION ......................................................................... 87

24.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ................................................................................ 87 24.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS .................................................................................................... 88 24.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS.................................................................................................... 89 24.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................... 90

25 HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING ..................................................... 92 25.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................... 92 25.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 .................................................................................. 93 25.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................... 94

25.3.1 Objectives ....................................................................................................... 94 25.3.2 Targets ........................................................................................................... 97

25.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION .......................................................................................... 98 25.4.1 Target Recommendations .............................................................................. 99


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26 COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING ................................................. 100 26.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 100 26.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 100 26.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 101 26.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 102

27 ORGANIC WASTE FROM COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY .................................................. 104 27.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 104 27.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 104 27.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 105 27.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 105

28 MATERIALS RECOVERY CAPACITY .................................................................................. 107 28.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 107 28.2 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 107 28.3 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 107

29 BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT .................................................................................................. 108 29.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 108 29.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 108 29.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 111

Biodegradable Municipal Waste ................................................................................ 111 Organic and Food Waste Treatment Infrastructure ................................................... 112

29.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 112 30 ENERGY RECOVERY ........................................................................................................... 115

30.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 115 30.2 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 115 30.3 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 116

31 LANDFILL DISPOSAL ........................................................................................................... 117 31.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 117 31.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 117 31.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 118 31.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 118

32 FORMER WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECOVERY SITES ..................................................... 119 32.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 119 32.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 119 32.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 120 32.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 121

33 POLICY ON INTER-REGIONAL WASTE MOVEMENT ........................................................ 123 33.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 123 33.2 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 123 33.3 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 123

34 CROSS BORDER POLICY .................................................................................................... 124


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34.1.1 Policy Objectives and Targets ...................................................................... 124 34.1.2 National Progress 2005-2010 ....................................................................... 124 34.1.3 Regional Progress 2005 - 2010.................................................................... 125 34.1.4 Review Recommendation ............................................................................ 125

35 ILLEGAL WASTE ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................. 126 35.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 126 35.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 126 35.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 127 35.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION .......................................................................................... 128

36 POLICY FOR COST RECOVERY ......................................................................................... 129 36.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................... 129 36.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................. 129 36.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 130 36.4 REVIEW RECOMENDATION ............................................................................................. 130

37 POLICY FOR SITING WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................ 132 37.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 132 37.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005 - 2010 .............................................................................. 132 37.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 - 2010 .............................................................................. 132 37.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................................ 132

37.4.1 Bring Banks .................................................................................................. 133 37.4.2 Recycling and Materials Recovery Facilities ................................................ 133 37.4.3 Biological Treatment Facilities ...................................................................... 133 37.4.4 Waste to Energy (WTE) Facilities ................................................................ 134 37.4.5 Landfills ........................................................................................................ 135

38 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE .................................................................... 136 38.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 136 38.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 137 38.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 137 38.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 138

38.4.1 Target Review Recommendations ............................................................... 138 39 HAZARDOUS WASTE FROM HOUSEHOLDS AND SMALL BUSINESSES ...................... 139

39.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 139 39.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 139 39.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 141 39.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 141

39.4.1 Target Review Recommendations ............................................................... 142 40 WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) ..................................... 143

40.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 143 40.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 143

40.2.1 WEEE and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) .......................... 143


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40.2.2 Batteries ....................................................................................................... 144 40.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 144 40.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................................ 145

40.4.1 Target Review Recommendations ............................................................... 146 41 END OF LIFE VEHICLES (ELVS) ......................................................................................... 147

41.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 147 41.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 147 41.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 148 41.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 148

42 TYRES .................................................................................................................................... 149 42.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 149 42.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................ 149 42.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010 ............................................................................. 150 42.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 150

43 PORT RECEPTION FACILITIES FOR SHIP GENERATED WASTE AND CARGO RESIDUES .......................................................................................................................................... 151

43.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 151 43.2 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 151 43.3 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 151

44 SLUDGE ................................................................................................................................. 153 44.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ............................................................................... 153 44.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ................................................................................. 153 44.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010 ............................................................................... 153 44.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 154

45 GLOSSARY OF TERMS REVIEW ........................................................................................ 155 46 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................... 158

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A National Waste Prevention and Minimisation Initiatives

Appendix B Draft Policy Statement Proposals


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1 INTRODUCTION

RPS was appointed by Meath County Council on the 18th of August 2010 to undertake a review of the North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010 (hereby referred to as the ‘The Waste Plan’). This Review Report is prepared to comply with Section 22(4) of the Waste Management Acts, which states a Local Authority shall review a Waste Plan once in every five year period.

The Review Report assesses the current situation with regard to waste generation and management methods progressed in the Region since adoption of the Waste Plan in 2006. In doing so it focuses on a range of items categorised into the following four areas:

Part I: Data Review: Assesses the latest data for key waste streams, assesses the Region’s progress in terms of reporting, recycling, recovery and disposal rates, determines progress towards achieving Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets in keeping with the previous Waste Plan, re-assesses waste projections to take account of the most recent economic growth and population projections.

Part II: Infrastructural Developments and Treatment Capacity Review: Assesses the waste infrastructural and treatment capacity requirements of the Region, provides an update of built and proposed infrastructure and treatment capacity in the Region and identifies shortfalls in capacity requirements while assessing the future needs of the Region.

Part III: Legislative and Policy Review: Assesses EU and National waste legislation and policy developments adopted and proposed since the adoption of the Waste Plan.

Part IV: Policy Objectives and Targets Review: Assesses progress made in terms of delivering Regional policy objectives and targets, reports reasons for successful implementation of relevant objectives as well as reasons for incomplete delivery, reviews policy objectives and targets of the Waste Plan in the context of the current waste policy environment, changes to legislation, the introduction of new waste regulations and upcoming policy intention.

As required under Section 22(11) of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended, this Review Report has regard to the provisions of:

Development plans and any Special Amenity Area Order made under the Act of 1963

Water quality management plans made under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990

Air quality management plans made under the Air Pollution Act 1987

In this regard the following plans are of relevance:

Meath County Development Plan 2007 – 2013

Monaghan County Development Plan 2007 – 2013

Cavan County Development Plan 2008-2014

Louth County Development Plan 2009 – 2015

The Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2010-2022

Border Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022

The County Meath, Biodiversity Action Plan 2008-2012


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River Basin Management Plans for the Shannon, North-Western, Eastern and Neagh-Bann River Basin Districts

Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study, Regional Drainage Policies 2005

Louth Local Authorities Noise Action Plan 2008


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2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1 NORTH EAST REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

In accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended, Meath County Council, Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council and Louth County Council developed the first generation Waste Management Plan for the North East Region in 1999. The Policy as outlined by the North East Local Authorities in the Meath Waste Management Strategy (1995/97) and the North East Waste Management Strategy (1999) was given a statutory basis when this first generation Waste Management Plan for the North East Region was adopted in 2001.

The 2001 Plan assessed a number of waste management scenarios based on factors which are likely to influence future waste management in the Region including the mandatory EU and National targets for recycling. Therefore developing scenarios for the maximum diversion from landfill was a primary objective.

Each scenario represented a combination of different recycling targets, the possible introduction of thermal treatment with energy recovery leading to landfill disposal of residues only. A plan for recycling/bulk reduction treatment facilities and the appropriate schemes for waste collection over the planning period were also identified in each scenario.

Modelling was undertaken to compare the technical, environmental and financial implications of each scenario and translated into an integrated waste management system, which sets out collection, recycling and recovery/disposal facilities as well as an implementation time-scale over the period 1999 -2014.

It was determined that the development of an integrated waste management system which promotes maximum recycling, recovery and energy from residual waste with minimal landfill disposal is the Best Practicable Environmental Option for the management of waste in the North East Region.

In 2004/2005 a review of the first regional plan was undertaken by the four Local Authorities, resulting in a Replacement Plan being adopted in 2006. The Waste Plan for the North East Region 2005-2010, sets out the current policy to progress the sustainable management of waste arisings in the Region to 2010. In doing so the overall Regional Policy Objectives encompass the priority order of the EU waste management hierarchy; prevention, minimisation, reuse, recycling, energy recovery and minimal disposal. Figure 2.1: EU Waste Hierarchy


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Recycling 43% Energy Recovery 39% Disposal 18%

The overall Regional Policy Objectives for the North East Region as set out in the Waste Plan are as follows:

Waste prevention and minimisation will be a priority and there will be increased focus on the schools, community and business sectors to reduce waste arisings. The Region will strive to curb the growth in waste arisings.

The Region will deliver an effective system meeting the ‘polluter pays principle’ that meets

high standards of environmental performance and all legislative obligations.

The Region will strive to give access to waste management services across the Region, particularly in rural areas.

The Region will strive to improve collection coverage and participation for households and

businesses, reducing ‘uncollected waste’.

The Region will continue to improve the infrastructure for recycling and recovery of waste.

The Region will maximise positive input of the private sector to help meet Plan objectives.

The North East Local Authorities will if necessary and/or appropriate for environmental or other reasons, direct that certain waste streams must be delivered to a certain tier in the waste hierarchy (e.g. reuse, recycling, biological treatment, energy recovery). This will be achieved by means of the Waste Collection Permit system or other appropriate regulatory or enforcement measures.

The Waste Plan also presents specific individual waste policy objectives and targets for waste prevention and minimisation, collection, recycling, recovery and disposal. It also contains a timeframe for the delivery of key municipal waste management infrastructure.

The aim of implementing these policy objectives is to achieve the ambitious target rates of recycling, recovery and disposal to meet the requirements of current and proposed legislation.

Adopted Waste Targets:

The above long term overarching targets as adopted by the North East Region were to be implemented over a 15 year period (1999-2014) and continue to be challenging.

2.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW 2010

This review of the Waste Plan has been developed in accordance with the requirements of Section 22(4) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended which requires a Local Authority to review a Waste Plan once in every 5 year period.

The Review Report assesses new legislation and policies, waste prevention, waste generation, waste management methods and infrastructural developments progressed in the Region since adoption of the Waste Plan in 2006. It also assesses progress made in terms of delivering regional policy objectives and targets and reviews policy objectives and targets in the context of the current waste policy environment, changes to legislation and the introduction of new waste regulations.


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2.2.1 Key Achievements

The following section summarises progress in the North East Region since the 2005-2010 Waste Plan was complete (2005) up to and including 2009.

Following the Review it can be concluded that significant progress has been made in implementing the Waste Plan, however further works are required in specific areas to achieve the overarching targets set for the Region.

Waste Prevention

Significant developments have been made over the last 5 years in waste prevention and minimization initiatives. The North East Local Authorities have been actively involved in the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) Programme and have developed successful prevention and

minimisation initiatives at all sectoral levels. For example, Monaghan County Council was one of fourteen Local Authorities funded and assisted under the EPA’s National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) and LAPD Programme to develop waste prevention, minimisation and resource efficiency practices for a number of sectors. Cavan County Council was involved in developing the first Green Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann. In addition the Environmental Awareness Officers have progressed waste awareness initiatives to focus on higher order waste management techniques such as prevention, minimisation and resource efficiency measures.

Municipal Waste

The overall municipal waste arisings increased by 23% from 2003 to 2009. However household waste arisings decreased by 6% indicating a decoupling of economic growth and household waste generation. However commercial waste arisings increased by 67% since 2003, indicating a strong correlation between economic growth and commercial waste arisings.

The overall municipal waste recycling rate increased from 22% in 2003 to 36% in 2009. The recycling rate for household waste increased from 16% in 2003 to 33% in 2009 as a result of improved awareness initiatives, improved kerbside collection systems for dry recyclables, the roll out of an organic kerbside collection service and the provision of additional recycling centres and bring banks.

Approximately 82% of occupied households in the Region were provided with a kerbside waste collection service. Approximately 13% (20,797 tonnes) of household waste is recycled through the dry recyclable kerbside collection service and 2% (2,932 tonnes) of organic waste is collected through a 3 bin waste collection service.

Home composting prevented 2,050 tonnes of biodegradable waste from entering the waste collection system in 2009.

160 schools were awarded green flags in 2009, representing a 250% increase on the number recorded at the end of 2003.

The quantity of household waste generated per capita decreased from 0.47 tonnes per capita in 2003 to 0.38 tonnes per capita in 2009.


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Approximately 41% of commercial waste was recycled in 2009. This is largely due to improved reporting, the introduction of bye laws and the introduction of the 2007 and 2008 Waste Collection Permit Regulations which allows Local Authorities to specify that collection companies provide a separate collection system for dry recyclables.

Furthermore, 60% of municipal waste was landfilled in the North East Region in 2009. Of the municipal waste generated in the North East Region approximately 57% was landfilled.

Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW)

The total amount of BMW ‘generated’ in the Region in 2009 is estimated to be 210,858 tonnes. Approximately 126,563 tonnes of BMW ‘generated’ in the North East Region was landfilled in the Region. A further 100,000 tonnes was imported into the Region and disposed to landfill.. This represents a 51% increase on 2003 quantities. Significant diversion is required to meet the Landfill Diversion targets.

Municipal Waste arisings have increased by 23% since 2003.

The recovery rate for municipal waste has increased from 22% in 2003 to 36% in 2009.

57% of municipal waste was landfilled in 2009.

Household waste generation have decreased in line with national trend

Household waste recycling increased from 16% in 2003 to 33% in 2009

Commercial waste arisings have increased by 67% since 2003.

The recovery rate for commercial waste was calculated to be 41% in 2009.

Over 2,932 tonnes of source separated organic waste was collected though the kerbside organic waste collection system.

Over 20,700 tonnes of dry recyclables were collected through the kerbside dry recyclable collection system (135% increase since 2003).

The Region has 11 active recycling centres and over 21,123 tonnes of material was collected at these locations (60% increase since 2003).

There are 145 bring banks in the Region resulting in the collection of over 6,660 tonnes of material (110% increase since 2003).

The quantity of BMW landfilled at facilities in the Region amounted to 226,389 tonnes (68% increase since 2003).

The total amount of BMW ‘generated’ in the Region in 2009 is estimated to be 210,858 tonnes.

Municipal Waste Recycling rate

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

2003 2009 Target by 2013


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Packaging Waste

Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste

Progress in terms of reducing the quantity of C&D waste for disposal has been largely achieved through the reuse of spoil waste (soil and stones) for engineering works at landfill sites and in land reclamation activities. However, the performance achieved in the prevention of waste and reuse of ‘other’ C&D waste derived materials during site development works has been limited.

In 2009, an estimated 1,520,324 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in the Region the vast majority of which was due to the construction of the M3 motorway. Approximately 317,095 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in 2009 if arisings associated with the M3 works are excluded. This represents a 33% reduction in the quantity of C&D waste generated since 2003 and is primarily attributable to the current economic climate and its resultant impact on the construction sector.

Priority Waste Streams

The introduction of legislative developments in recent years has resulted in significant progress in the provision of producer responsibility initiatives, awareness campaigns and recycling and recovery of priority waste streams such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and End of life Vehicles (ELV’s).

The recovery rate of packaging waste increased from 38% in 2003 to 61% in 2009.

Packaging waste generation decreased by 19% from 104,034 tonnes in 2003 to 83,876 tonnes in 2009. This may be attributable to a better understanding of waste composition and the incorporation of a contamination factor.

The recovery rate for ‘soil and stones’ was 100% in 2009.

The recovery rate for ‘other’ C&D waste was 81% in 2009.

Over 2,400 tonnes of WEEE was collected in 2008. This represents 5.9 kg of WEEE per capita.

There were 26 Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) operating in the Region in 2009.

Over 7,430 tonnes of ELVs were collected in the Region in 2009, representing a 30% decrease on 2003 figures. (This decrease may be attributable to more accurate reporting as opposed to estimates based on national data.)

TRACS was established in 2008 as a voluntary compliance scheme for operators within the tyre industry. Approximately 885 tonnes of waste tyres were generated in 2009.

The quantity of agricultural waste generated in 2009 was 538,369 tonnes. This represents a 6% reduction on the quantity generated in 2003.


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Waste Infrastructure

There have been significant developments in the provision of waste management infrastructure for the sustainable management of waste generated in the Region. In accordance with the Waste Plan, Material Recovery Facilities (MRF’s), transfer stations, green composting facilities, biological treatment facilities and landfills are authorized with sufficient capacity to serve the needs of the Region. Furthermore, the thermal treatment facility in Carranstown is expected to be operational in mid- late 2011. However, further developments are required in relation to the provision of bring banks and kerbside organic waste collection services.

It should also be noted that while progress has been made in infrastructural developments to serve the needs of the Region, additional waste is being imported into the Region for treatment which also requires consideration.

There were 4 licensed MRF’s and 10 permitted transfer stations in the Region in 2009.

There were 145 bring banks and 11 licensed recycling centres/ civic amenities in the Region in 2009.

There were 2 dedicated green waste composting facilities with a combined capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum serving the Region in 2009.

There were 4 bio-waste treatment facilities with a combined authorized capacity of 75,800 – 80,800 tonnes per annum serving the Region in 2009.

Construction of a 200,000 tonne per annum thermal treatment facility in Duleek Co. Meath is underway. It is expected to start accepting municipal waste in mid 2011.

There are also a 2 cement kiln facilities authorized to accept SRF material.

There were 12 facilities authorized to recycling C&D waste.

There are 4 municipal waste landfills in the Region with significant available capacity.

There is 1 C&D landfill in the Region.


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3 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGET REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS

Waste Prevention and Minimisation

The waste prevention and minimisation policy objectives specified within the Plan remain relevant and continue to encourage behavioural change within households, businesses, industry as well as public and community areas. However, it is recommended that Local Authorities focus on these policy objectives on a continuous basis going forward in order to further progress waste prevention initiatives. It is also proposed to include further objectives to add weight to reuse initiatives such as freetradeireland.ie, producer responsibility initiatives and the development of end of waste criteria and to support the uptake of tried and tested methods of waste prevention and minimisation measures to further promote waste prevention in the coming years.

Household Waste Collection and Recycling

While many of the objectives of the Waste Plan remain relevant, it is proposed to amend some of the existing objectives for continued implementation as well the introduction of new objectives to further enforce and regulate the management of household waste and to take consideration of the Waste Framework Directive 2008 (and associated Regulations) and Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations once implemented. New objectives proposed for the three year term include:

Existing and future bring banks should be standardised where appropriate and meet minimum service standards. Existing facilities may be upgraded to accept additional materials.

Review all waste collection permits

relating to the collection of household waste and specify conditions to ensure compliance with the Household Food Waste Collection Regulations.

Ensure a consistent and integrated collection service is provided to householders with all

waste collection companies required to provide a complete collection service as conditioned by the Waste Collection Permitting system.

As a minimum, separate collection of paper, metal, plastic and glass shall be provided in

accordance with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations, 2011.

In addition, the Region will continue to require use-related charging systems in accordance with Government Policy. Use-related charging acts as an incentive to support waste minimisation and recycling in accordance with the Polluter Pays Principle and reduce the volume of waste generated by the householder for disposal.


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It is also a recommendation of the Review to reduce the household waste generation target from 1.5 tonnes per household to 1.12 tonnes per household based on the Regional performance in recent years.

Given the regional municipal waste recycling rate of 36% in 2009, the recycling target of 43% is considered to remain relevant and challenging for 2013. However for subsequent years, it is recommended this target be revised upwards with the aim of achieving a recycling rate of 50% by 2020 in line with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations, 2011.

Commercial Waste Collection and Recycling Further increases in recycling rates of commercial and industrial waste are required within the Region which includes both dry recyclables and organic waste. Many of the objectives of the Plan remain relevant, however a number of amendments to existing objectives are proposed to further enforce and regulate the management of commercial waste and to also take consideration of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations 2011. It is proposed to introduce the following objectives in conjunction with those detailed in the Plan.

Ensure regulation of waste producers and collection companies to require source segregation of dry recyclables and organic waste.

Maintain commercial waste bye-laws to provide for the presentation of commercial/industrial

waste in a source segregated manner. The bye-laws should be updated by Local Authorities as required and include fines where appropriate for non compliances. Bye-laws should take consideration of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations.

Waste collection permits will continue to require waste collectors to provide separate collection of dry recyclables to its customers, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant bye-laws. Organic Waste from Commerce and Industry

It is proposed to introduce a number of new policy objectives to implement, enforce and regulate the management of organic waste from commerce and industry in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations 2011. Such objectives include;

The promotion of food waste prevention through initiatives such as StopFoodWaste.ie, Green Business and Green Hospitality Awards.

Promote an awareness campaign for businesses working with relevant stakeholders to inform

businesses of their obligations under the relevant food waste regulations and promotion through initiatives such as foodwaste.ie.

Enforce the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations

Support the development of adequate infrastructure to treat the organic waste diverted from

landfill.

Promote the management of food waste in accordance with the requirements of Food Waste Regulations and ensure separation of food waste from other waste


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Biological Treatment

Biodegradable Municipal Waste: The North East Region will implement the recommendations of the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy and the requirements of the EPA’s Technical Guidance Document on Municipal Solid Waste – Pre-treatment and Residuals Management for the management of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW). Proposed policy objectives to achieve the above include:

Include prevention and minimisation of BMW in Regional waste prevention programme. Separate collection of BMW from households and commerce

Increase recycling rates for household and commercial dry recyclables

Support the provision of green waste acceptance facilities at all waste recycling centres.

Support the development of infrastructure to adequately treat BMW diverted from landfill.

Support the development of end-markets for compost and digestate including engaging with

the rx3 programme and other national initiatives.

Organic and Food Waste Infrastructure: It is proposed to introduce further policy objectives to take account of the organic waste treatment requirements of the Region following the introduction of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the European Communities (Framework Directive) Regulations 2011 and taking consideration of the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2010. Such policy objectives promote and support the separate collection of biowaste and support the production of high quality products and the development of high quality end use outlets for compost and digestate.

Consideration should also be given to the EPA’s discussion paper entitled Hitting the Targets for Biodegradable Municipal Waste, Ten Options for Change in 2008. The paper details 10 possible public policy intervention measures to encourage change in the management of organic and food biodegradable municipal waste in order to comply with the 2016 Landfill Directives diversion targets.

It is suggested the development of biological treatment infrastructure with a approximate capacity of 100,000 tonnes be supported in the Region, to encourage maximum biological treatment of source segregated municipal organic waste arising in the North East Region in accordance with the Waste Management (Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2009, the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2010, the Waste Framework Directive Regulations 2011 and to assist the Region in meeting the EPA pre-treatment guideline targets for the coming three year term and beyond.

It should also be noted that due to the significant volumes of agricultural waste generated within the Region, there may be potential for synergies to develop capacity to treat municipal and agricultural wastes.

Energy Recovery

The objective to develop a thermal treatment facility with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant, therefore it is recommended that this objective remains unchanged with an amendment to the target date from 2007/8 to 2011 in accordance with the construction programme for the Carranstown Waste to Energy facility.

However it is proposed to introduce an additional objective to ensure this facility can be classified as a recovery facility. It is therefore suggested this facility demonstrate it can meet the energy efficiency requirements specified in Annex II of the Waste Framework Directive 2008.


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The North East Local Authorities note the importance of ensuring the introduction of thermal treatment does not provide a disincentive to recycling in the Region and in conjunction with the EPA will continue to exercise their statutory powers to ensure the objectives and targets as set out within the Plan are met.

It is also recommended that the infrastructure and headline indicator targets for energy recovery remain valid.

Landfill Disposal

The objective as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant therefore it is recommended that this objective remains unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

The long term objective of the Plan is to reduce landfill disposal to 18%. In 2009 an estimated 60% of municipal waste was landfilled in the Region. Of the Municipal Waste generated in the North East Region 57% was landfilled in the Region.

Former Waste Disposal and Recovery Sites

There has been some progress in terms of identifying sites however a significant amount of work is still required in this area. Therefore many of the objectives of the Waste Plan remain relevant, however it is proposed to amend a number of existing objectives as well as introduce others in order to enforce and regulate former waste disposal and recovery sites in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice (CoP), Ministerial Direction (WIR04/05) and the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations. Such objectives include the following:

Compile a Section22 register

Develop a GIS based database to manage records in relation to Waste Disposal and Recovery Sites

Compile and maintain a Section 26 Register.

Carry out site specific risk assessments on priority sites in accordance with the CoP

Comply with requirements of the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations.

Inter-regional Movement of Waste

The policy objective on inter regional waste movement as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant. It is recognised that there should be flexibility with respect to the movement of waste across regional boundaries. In broad terms the capacity of waste facilities in the Region should primarily satisfy the needs of the Region whilst not precluding inter regional movement of waste and allowing flexibility to cater for the development of required national infrastructure.

Cross Border Policy

In light of the ongoing enforcement activities on illegal cross border movements of waste it is proposed to introduce a policy objective for Local Authorities to pursue close cooperation with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on regulation and enforcement in conjunction with the Environmental Enforcement, the Gardai and their Northern Ireland counterparts. Local Authorities are already fulfilling this role, therefore it is proposed to introduce the policy objective to regularise activities.


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Illegal Waste Disposal

Significant works are being carried out in the Region in relation to illegal waste disposal activities. Complaints are given high priority and are investigated promptly. All investigating parties take due cognisance of all relevant ministerial directions issued, the EPA’s CoP for Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites and the EPA’s CoP for the Development of an Enforcement Policy for Unauthorised Waste Activities.

The Local Authorities prepare investigation reports and also take necessary actions including sanctions and penalties such as warning letters, statutory notices and legal action against offenders. Local Authorities also liaise and engage outside agencies such as the Gardaí, EPA and other State Agencies as required. In light of this, the policy objective as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant with progress in achieving such objectives ongoing. It is therefore recommended that the objective of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

Cost Recovery

Due to the limited progress achieved during the term of the Waste Plan with respect to cost recovery systems, the policy objectives as set out within the Waste Plan remain relevant with substantial progress required in order to achieve such objectives.

Siting Waste Infrastructure

The policy objectives on siting waste infrastructure as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant in principle therefore it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain largely unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term. However it is also proposed to insert a policy objective to ensure development of infrastructure adheres to the requirements of waste regulation and guidance which have been detailed within the Review.

Construction and Demolition (C&D)

Due to the limited progress achieved during the term of the Waste Plan with respect to achieving more sustainable waste management practices in the construction and demolition sector, the policy objectives as set out within the Waste Plan remain relevant. The primary goal of the Region is to prevent and minimise C&D waste generation and achieve increased reuse and recycling levels while minimising disposal and associated transportation. In order to achieve these goals it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

Hazardous Wastes

The policy objectives for the management of hazardous waste take consideration of the recommendations of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) and the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations 2011. The majority of these are carried forward from the Waste Plan and include measures on raising awareness, Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRI’s), collection systems and reporting. The Region must continue to ensure that hazardous waste


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is addressed through an integrated approach of prevention, separate collection, recycling, recovery, disposal and the development of industry led producer responsibility schemes for key waste streams. Furthermore the mixing of hazardous waste from SME’s will be prohibited and the separate collection of waste oils where technically feasible will be supported in accordance with the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations. Based on current regional performance it is proposed to revise the headline indicator target of 0.75kg per household by 2005 to 2.2kg per household by 2013.

WEEE

On a regional basis substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of WEEE during the term of the Waste Plan with the 2006 headline indicator target being exceeded. This is primarily due to the implementation of the WEEE Regulations. However additional progress is required in relation to awareness campaigns at household and industry level in order to further increase performance. Furthermore co-operation and action is also required to further enforce the Batteries Regulations within the Region.

It is proposed to introduce the following policy objectives to reflect recent developments:

Carry out data collection and reporting of WEEE performance in the Region .

Enforce the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations Carry out data collection and reporting of Batteries performance within the Region

The Region will continue to adopt all appropriate measures in order to prevent the disposal of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste and to achieve a high level of separate collection. The collection and transport of segregated WEEE shall continue to be carried out in such a way so as to optimise the reuse and recycling potential of components or whole appliances capable of being reused or recycled.

Based on the current quantity of WEEE collected per capita in the Region it is proposed to increase the headline indicator target from 4kg per capita to 5.9kg per capita for the forthcoming 3 year period.

End of Life Vehicles (ELVs)

Substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of ELV’s within the Region following the implementation of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations. However further progress is required in relation to awareness campaigns at industry level in order to increase performance. Further regulation of Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) is also required.

Waste Tyres In terms of waste tyres it was identified that the objectives from the Waste Plan remain largely relevant however they need to be developed further to take consideration of the recommendations of the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations. It is proposed to introduce the following objectives to meet this requirement.


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Promote recovery of tyres and ensure that waste tyres are collected and recycled in accordance with applicable legislation.

Enforce and regulate waste tyres in accordance with the requirements of the applicable

Regulations.

Local Authority enforcement will perform audits of the waste collection permits and waste permit holders.

It should be noted the Local Authorities will make every effort to fulfil their obligations in terms of the Waste Plan and policy objectives, however in many cases success is subject to the availability of suitable financial provisions.


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PART I DATA REVIEW


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1 WASTE GENERATION IN THE NORTH EAST REGION

Table 1.1 provides a summary of key waste streams generated in the North East Region and the quantities recorded in 2003 and 2009. Each of the waste streams identified in the table below are discussed and analysed in subsequent chapters of this Review Report.

Table 1.1 Waste streams generated in the North East Region 2003 and 2009.

Waste Streams Total 2003 (tonnes)

Total 2009(tonnes) 2009 Data Source

Household Waste Arisings 161,350 158,577 Local Authority (EPA) National Waste

Questionnaires (2009)

Commercial & Industrial 97,165 161,988 Waste Collection Permit and Waste Facility

Permit Annual Returns 2009

Industrial 195,683 – 579,401 396,143 Data Ireland, Central Statistics Office and EPA

National Waste Report 2009

Construction and Demolition 469,939

1,520,324

[317,095 excluding M3

material]

Waste Collection Permit Reporting 2009, Waste Facility Returns 2009 and Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns

(2009)

Contaminated Soils 67 3,471 Collection Permit Reporting 2009, Waste Facility Returns 2009 and Local Authority

(EPA) National Waste Returns (2009)

Litter & Street Sweepings 5,237 4,800 Local Authority (EPA) National Waste

Database Returns (2009).

Packaging 104,034 83,876

EPA National Waste Report 2008, EPA Municipal Waste Characterisation Surveys 2008 and Local Authority (EPA) National

Waste Returns (2009)

Priority Waste Streams

Total 2003 (tonnes)

Total 2009 (tonnes) 2009 Data Source

WEEE 469 2,488 EPA National Waste Report 2009

ELVs 10,689 7,430 Waste Collection Permit AERs.

Tyres 1,619 885 Waste Collection Permit AERs.

Household Hazardous waste 567 307 Local Authority (EPA) National Waste

Database Returns (2009).

Healthcare Risk Waste 279 365 Waste Collection Permit Returns 2009

Water and Wastewater

sludges 11,429 13,327 North East Waste Management Plan 2005-

2010, Sludge Management Plans and Local Authorities.

Sewage Sludge 8,797 8,797

Agricultural waste 572,930 538,369 North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010, Teagasc, Central Statistics Office and

Sludge Management Plans


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2 PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION

Chapter 9 of the Waste Plan detail waste prevention and minimisation achievements in the following areas:

Household and Community

Commerce and Industry

Local Authority

In 2005 substantial progress had been made in waste prevention within the household and community sectors however achievements in commerce and industry were modest.

Since 2005, waste prevention and minimisation activities in the North East Region have progressed significantly in all sectors and the Local Authorities continue to forge effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders in each of these sectors.

Over the last 5 years the North East Local Authorities have been actively involved in the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) programme and have developed successful prevention and minimisation initiatives at all sectoral levels. For example, between 2006 and 2009, Monaghan County Council was one of fourteen Local Authorities funded and assisted under the EPA’s National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) and LAPD Programme.

Monaghan County Council worked with Monaghan Leisure Centre, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) with the aim of preventing and minimising waste generation and developing resource efficiency practices in the following areas:

Public Sector Greening Monaghan Business Agriculture Sector Schools Programme Households

The Project entitled ‘Working Together to Prevent Waste in County Monaghan’ was extremely successful with numerous sectors including manufacturing, service industry, hospitality, community run businesses, households, schools, farms and Local Authorities participating and benefitting from advice given by Monaghan County Council in improving their resource use efficiency. The implementation of the pay–by–use waste collection service by public and private waste collectors in 2005 also raised awareness among all sectors. The provision of this service created an economic incentive for households to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste in line with the Polluter Pays Principle. While implementation of this service has been successful, evidence suggests that the level of fly-tipping and backyard burning of household waste has increased both Nationally and Regionally since the introduction of use related charging systems which has been further exacerbated by the current economic position. These increases in illegal activities have placed additional strain on the enforcement sections of Local Authorities and it is recognised that further enforcement resources and measures are necessary in order to overcome such practices.

Within individual Local Authorities, most notable progress has been seen in the overall understanding of prevention, the ability to generate, implement and manage prevention programmes and the motivation to bring about change by participating local authority staff. For example a number of Local


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Authority staff participated in the Eco-eye TV programme discussing a farm waste prevention booklet which they had published. Waste Prevention and minimisation is very much promoted and encouraged at a national level through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) in conjunction with the EPA. The National Waste Prevention Committee and the EPA’s core prevention team were established to progress this area of waste management in 2004. Appendix A provides details of national waste prevention and minimisation initiatives introduced since 2005 and national progress towards meeting EU legislative requirements in this area.

The following sections describe regional progress made within the North East since 2005 in terms of waste prevention and minimisation initiatives within each sector.

2.1 RESOURCES

Waste prevention and awareness plays a key role in implementing and achieving the objectives setout in the North East Waste Plan. Each Local Authority has dedicated resources promoting awareness, and informing households, schools, businesses and the community about improved waste management practices. A total of 5 staff members with a number of assistants carried out these roles in the Region in 2009. In the North East Region the Environmental Awareness Officers (EAO’s) primarily lead waste prevention and awareness initiatives across each sector. In addition to raising awareness at a local level, they also adopt the role of the Green School Officer (GSO) and Green business Officer (GBO) with assistance from other internal staff. Cavan is the only county with a dedicated Green Schools Officer. Table 2.1 provides a breakdown of the Waste Prevention and Awareness staff employed in each local authority within the North East Region. This remains consistent with resources in the Region in 2005. Table 2.1 Local Authority Prevention and Awareness Staff in the Region in 2009

Local Authority EAO GSO GBO

Meath 1 0 0

Louth* 1 0 0

Cavan 1 1 0

Monaghan 1 0 0

Total 4 1 0

*Louth County Council have 2 assistants to support the delivery of awareness activities

2.2 HOUSEHOLDS AND SCHOOLS 2005-2010

The Environmental Awareness Officers (EAO’s) continue to have a positive impact on waste minimisation and prevention on their primary focus group – the public. The EAO’s are responsible for raising awareness among the public on best practice in waste management. Consequently waste awareness and education programmes were developed and implemented in each Local Authority in the Region.

In 2005 waste minimisation initiatives in the Region were primarily aimed at diverting waste from disposal by encouraging the use of kerbside recycling, Bring Banks, Recycling Centres and home compost bins. However in more recent years, waste awareness initiatives have progressed to focus on


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higher order waste management techniques such as prevention, minimisation and resource efficiency measures.

For instance Monaghan County Council undertook a schools initiative to promote prevention as the most desirable form of waste management in order to encourage schools to move beyond recycling. The main work undertaken included:

Introduction of the prevention and resource use concept into 28 schools.

Delivery of a prevention project competition in which over 700 students participated.

Completion of 3 waste characterisation studies.

Similarly other local authorities in the North East Region introduced comparable initiatives such as;

An annual Primary School Environmental Competition (Separate to Green Schools) where schools are independently assessed on their Waste Management Programmes.

An annual environmental debating competition for secondary schools dealing with waste related topics.

Delivery of waste workshops to a number of schools each academic year.

Holding recycling poster competitions

Overall it is clear to see that the EAO’s played a crucial role in waste prevention and minimisation progress achieved in 2009.

It is estimated over 10,000 compost bins were sold or given away resulting in the prevention of approximately 2,050 tonnes of biodegradable material from entering the waste collection system.

293 schools in the Region were registered with the An Taisce Green Schools Programme with 160 schools achieving the Green Flag status in 2009. This represents an increase of over 250% since 2003.

Over 12 waste related projects such as interactive waste awareness events for primary and secondary schools, composting schemes, school book exchange schemes, websites etc were funded through the Local Agenda 21 Environment Partnership Fund in 2009. This is one more project than in 2003.

2.3 COMMUNITY 2005-2010

In 2005, community-based waste management initiatives were slowly evolving in Ireland. Many of these were serving to increase employment and minimise social exclusion. There were several case studies of small-scale projects that got off the ground due to partnerships with local authorities, FAS or through central government funding. There were also many more examples throughout the country but due to limited funds, advertising, media and annual reports they were not readily available or accessible.

Excellent kerbside recycling schemes were rolled out the length and breadth of the Region, however there was still a need to raise awareness among householders about the value of other waste streams such as electrical goods, bulky waste (furniture), books, scrap metal/parts toys, clothes etc. It needed to be reiterated that this ‘trash’ can be another mans treasure.

The Waste Plan identified that community groups/partnerships and Not for Profit groups were in an ideal position to set up small-scale facilities to receive this waste. Opportunities for the repair and


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resale of goods were recognised as contributing towards the diversion of waste from landfill while improving the local environment, as well as providing an effective way of creating a strong sense of identity and community spirit.

Since 2005, local initiatives such as the Anti-Litter Leagues, ‘Louth Tidy Towns Together’, ‘Keep Meath Tidy’ and ‘Pride of the Place’, in conjunction with community talks, national green home Christmas initiatives green shopping events and the 2010 Green Fleadh awards programme have all contributed to raising waste prevention awareness within the Region. The individual Local Authority websites also provide information to the members of the public on recycling and waste minimisation.

• The ‘Louth Tidy Towns Together’ initiative facilitates a network of tidy towns groups in the county to brainstorm and share ideas on waste minimisation projects that could assist communities in achieving an award in the National Tidy Towns Competition.

• Green Shopping Events are held annually in local supermarkets whereby recycling surveys

are undertaken and recycling pledges are signed by shoppers with staff available at information stands to supply information and address queries.

• The 2010 Green Fleadh Awards Programme is discussed further in Section 2.4.

In addition to the above, the Local Authorities are involved in promoting and developing infrastructure at a community level such as ‘community composters’ and the incorporation of bring banks into community centres to encourage the development of additional waste services and facilities at community level. A number of community composters have been installed throughout the Region with plans for similar developments underway. Louth have installed the first underground bring bank facility in the Region as a result of one Louth Tidy Towns Together group obtaining funding in 2007 resulting in no capital cost to the Local Authority. A number of bring banks and have also been incorporated into community centres along with single bring banks for individual waste streams such as glass or textiles in areas where full scale bring facilities are not warranted. It is recognised there is room for development of similar community initiatives across the Region particularly in the area of ‘grasscycling’, water conservation and rainwater harvesting. Furthermore Environmental Awareness Officers (EAOs) provide on-going contact and advice to the community and voluntary groups regarding sources of funding such as Local Agenda 21 as well as individual community and amenity grants.

A combination of the above elements proved successful in promoting the objective of waste prevention and minimisation to the public.

2.4 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SECTOR 2005 - 2010

From 2000 to 2005, achievements in waste prevention within commerce and industry were modest, with some exceptions namely companies involved in certain large-scale or complex industrial processes with significant polluting potential which required an Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) licence. The primary aim of IPPC licensing is to prevent or reduce emissions to air, water and land, to reduce waste and to use energy efficiently.

While some success was achieved with IPPC Licensed companies through the work of the EPA, waste prevention was still not widely implemented within Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the Waste Plan identified this as an area which needed to be addressed.


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In order to address this concern, a key objective of the Waste Plan was to “Broaden the remit of environmental awareness to waste prevention and minimisation in the business sector”. Furthermore it was identified that businesses and industries must take responsibility for the proper management of waste and the responsibility to ‘implement best waste management practice in the workplace with the emphasis on waste prevention’ was identified as a business sector duty. The Region together with the business sector have tried to meet this objective by undertaking a number of initiatives. The Region has, and continues to, run intensive local media campaigns such as joint radio adverts and leaflet productions (a joint effort by Cavan and Monaghan) to promote waste prevention, recycling and energy efficiency in all sectors (household, community, business, public). The Local Authorities use successful in-house efficiency experience to drive such media campaign countywide. Local Authorities also promote waste prevention to business and industry through their websites and by holding Green Business Seminars.

The Local Authorities also promote waste prevention to the business and industrial sector through greenbusiness.ie. Businesses avail of the free on-site waste and water audit assessments which resulted in numerous businesses changing management practices to improve resource efficiency through reducing wastage of materials, consumables, water and energy. Significant cost savings were experienced by businesses who undertook this initiative. The Local Authorities also actively promote the National Green Hospitality Award Scheme whereby hotel members can make significant savings on Waste, Energy & Water. In addition to this, the Local Authorities in conjunction with businesses and industries, embarked on a number of innovative projects from 2005-2010. For example, Cavan County Council promoted the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2010 as the first ever ‘Green’ Fleadh through the promotion of waste prevention initiatives as described below.

Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann:

Starting with planning the green theme focused on using environmentally friendly printing procedures in the Fleadh office, which spread to all sectors of the community as organisation developed.

Businesses received advice on food waste, recycling, water use and energy saving opportunities while publicans were assisted in identifying cost saving opportunities in water use, cooling, lighting, energy use and waste production. Over 50 businesses received the Green Fleadh accreditation once they met specific waste and energy management practices.

These businesses estimated the following typical savings resulted from the revised management practices:

Energy – approx €30,000

Waste – approx €33,000

Water - approx €18,000

Homeowners received tips on how they can save water and energy during the Fleadh and ideas on how to prevent waste. In addition, the hospitality sector was encouraged to enter into the Green Hospitality Award Scheme www.ghward.ie which assists them in significantly reducing the cost of waste, energy and water.

Visitors were encouraged to play their part in the Green Fleadh by using the correct bins for rubbish and by considering using public transport to travel to the Fleadh. The Green Fleadh theme continued on the campsites asking campers to separate their waste responsibly. Various recycling bins were provided at the campsites so campers could separate out cans, bottles, plastics, cardboard and dry recyclables and waste for landfill. It was calculated that in the order of 20 tonnes of waste was recycled as a result of this initiative.


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Furthermore, Monaghan County Council, as participants in the LAPD programme 2006-2009, developed a prevention programme for businesses that focused on the following:

Cleaner production and resource use efficiency.

Waste prevention and, where appropriate, diversion from landfill.

Training and awareness.

Working with business organisations to implement best practice across the sector.

The response from the business community in Monaghan to prevention initiatives was positive. A mix of manufacturing, service industry, hospitality and community run businesses participated and benefitted from advice given by Monaghan County Council to improve their resource use efficiency.

Successes of the programme included:

A total of 35 businesses participated in the programme.

18 pubs and 3 hotels participated in a hospitality waste prevention programme.

Numerous community type businesses participated.

Significant waste prevention and waste diversion was achieved.

Increased environmental awareness was achieved in the business community.

12 companies received training from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Significant energy savings were achieved in these twelve companies.

Increased co-operation between private and public sector.

‘Calling Time on Waste’ booklet distributed to 4,600 publicans nationally.

Louth County Council has also been successful in promoting waste prevention and minimisation initiatives throughout the commerce and industry sectors. For instance, a number of Green Business Seminars were given to the Chambers of Commerce and Traders Association. Following these seminars a voluntary Code of Conduct, incorporating waste minimisation and recycling objectives, was adopted by one Traders Association, with a view to replicating the initiative in other areas.

Furthermore, a pilot Waste Management Programme was successfully implemented in one Hospitality Sector (Restaurant/Cookery School) outlet with a view to further roll out to other similar outlets.

2.5 LOCAL AUTHORITY 2005 - 2010

In 2005, each North East Region Local Authorities recycled some fraction of some of their waste streams, such as paper, cardboard and toner cartridges. Internal awareness-raising methods such as emails were used to inform staff of the recycling opportunities and separate bins for paper were provided. In addition the Local Authority Management System was introduced in the four local authorities, which placed an emphasis on environmental management. It was recommended that green procurement opportunities be considered in all local authority offices and depots.

It should also be noted that during this period, an enforcement team was established in Cavan County Council with the remaining Local Authorities also in the process of setting up similar such enforcement teams. However the role of these teams was initially confined to packaging waste. Team members were responsible for informing companies of their obligations under the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003 and inspecting retail outlets to ensure the relevant legislation was being adhered to.


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From 2005-2010, Local Authorities have increased in-house recycling practices and have focused on higher order waste management practices such as in-house waste prevention, waste minimisation and resource efficiency measures. It is now considered customary to have separate bins and skips for general waste and recyclables, to have a centralised printer instead of multiple individual machines and to adopt double sided printing where possible. In addition, measures such as the use of in house composters for segregated food wastes and electronic format of previously printed documents and reports have also been adopted in some cases. As a result Local Authorities are reaping both the environmental and financial benefits of such measures. Examples of two initiatives are given below.

Cavan County Council implemented numerous in-house waste prevention and minimisation measures over the last 5 years which have resulted in significant savings as follows:

Waste Prevention, Separation & Recycling – saving approx €40,000 per year

Energy Use Savings (Powerdown of pcs & electrical items) - saving at least €5,000 per year

Introduction of 500 multi-use internal envelopes – Saving approx 20,000 envelopes per year

Paper Use – accountability for & reduction in paper use - savings to be quantified in 2011

Duplex/both sides copying & print management – savings to be quantified in 2011

Streamlining of procurement & responsibility for electrical/ electronic equipment to IT

Cycle-to-Work Scheme participation initiated in 2009/2010

Ongoing Internal Awareness Campaign to keep staff up to date on new initiatives

As part of the LAPD programme between 2006 - 2009, improvements to waste management procedures in Monaghan County Council resulted in 50% less waste going to landfill. An energy training programme undertaken by twelve staff with Sustainable Energy Ireland, resulting in savings of €33,000. This was achieved through the following:

Elimination of electricity MIC and Wattless penalties

Changes to the motor (variable speed) on the gas flare at Scotch Corner landfill

Energy savings in Ballybay Waste Water Treatment Plant through changes to timings on aeration System

Furthermore the LAPD team worked with Monaghan Leisure Centre to ensure that the facility is operated to highest possible environmental standards. Waste management, energy and water were looked at as areas of improvement and in 2007 a waste segregation system was established in the facility.


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2.6 HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE 2005 - 2010

Between 2006 and 2009, the LAPD worked with three HSE facilities within Monaghan County. Prior to their intervention each facility had a different level of environmental performance. Post intervention each facility had improved environmental performance and demonstrated the benefits of a preventative approach to environmental management. Successes of the project include:

Waste prevention at source, particularly food waste through an improved food ordering system from wards.

Reduction in waste classified as risk waste through proper identification and segregation.

Increased waste diversion from landfill through better segregation.

225 employees of HSE received environmental training.

Water conservation through leak detection and use of water conservation devices.

2.7 AGRICULTURE SECTOR 2005 - 2010

Between 2006 and 2009, Monaghan County Council’s LAPD team worked closely with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) to recruit farmers to participate in the prevention programme. One of the primary objectives of this project was to research types and quantities of waste being produced on farms. The LAPD discovered that whilst waste is not generally a problem for farmers, there are some issues of concern regarding storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Furthermore, it was discovered that there are significant savings to be made by farmers in energy conservation. Successes of the project include:

Savings in energy conservation for participating farmers.

Identification of hazardous wastes as an issue for farms.

Greater co-operation between farming community and the Local Authority.

Publication of ‘Farming the Environment Booklet’, 2,500 of which have been distributed around the country.

Full details of Monaghan County Council’s participation in the LAPD project and its success can be accessed through the waste prevention section of the EPA’s website. The report is entitled ‘Local Authority Prevention Development Programme 2006 -2010’.

Individual Local Authorities are encouraged to look at practices adopted by other Local Authorities and take successful practices on board where possible. The implementation of new and original practices should also be encouraged. It should also be noted that Local Authority staff have been seconded to work specifically on prevention projects through the LAPD programme. The aim of this approach is to enable local authority staff, who can in turn enable local organisations (including their own), to prevent waste. Staff in Monaghan County Council have been seconded to work specifically on Food Waste and Healthcare Prevention projects. This is also a welcome development and local authority participation in such initiatives is encouraged.

2.8 SUMMARY

Waste management has developed greatly in relation to separate collection of recyclables, treatment options and improved landfill standards. However, waste prevention is a different challenge to developing improved services. Waste prevention can only be achieved by a complete change in attitude and behavior by all sectors of society.


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There is strong policy commitment to waste prevention at regional level. Numerous initiatives have emerged as a result of the National Waste Prevention Programme, however it remains clear that there is an ongoing challenge to explain the practical application of waste prevention and resource efficiency to public and private sector organisations. It is also clear that resources to carry out such works remain a challenge at regional level.

In summary, the Region has made significant progress in adopting and implementing waste prevention and minimisation initiatives across all sectors. However this is an area which requires continued focus and development going forward. It has been identified that potential cost savings from resource efficiency or waste prevention measures needs to be clearly demonstrated by the reporting of case studies by organizations. This will assist in the adoption of such measures on various sectors on a greater scale.

Challenges to waste prevention can be attributed to numerous items including the following:

a perceived lack of alternative approaches to waste avoidance, generation and management;

current available products lack durability and/or repairability (tendency to dispose & replace rather than repair & reuse);

poor understanding of prevention and the connection between excess consumption and waste generation within society – at official, organisational and individual levels;

lack of traditions of reuse, repair or resourcefulness generally;

And to a lesser extent in recent years:

a consumer society focused on convenience, fashion, obsolescence and high turnover of goods;

higher disposable incomes;

In general, there is a common failure to see value in a product or commodity that is being discarded, where it might feasibly be repaired, reused directly or put to another use. However, there are important changes in this field in very recent times, with the development of websites dedicated to selling or giving away of unwanted and used goods (e.g. e-Bay and www.freetradeireland.ie among other examples). There are also apparent changes in consumer behavior brought on by recent economic uncertainty.


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3 HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY

3.1 WASTE GENERATION

Since the adoption of the Waste Plan in 2005, household waste arisings have decreased in the North East Region in line with the national trend. Approximately 158,577 tonnes of household waste was generated in the Region in 2009. This is a reduction of 2% since 2003, however as the population has increased by 22% in the same timeframe, indicating a clear correlation between household waste generation and economic growth/decline and personal consumption.

Table 3.1 below lists the breakdown of household waste arising in the Region in 2009 compared to that in 2003.

Table 3.1: Household Waste Arisings in the North East in 2003 and 2009

Source: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2009 and Waste Facility AER’s 2009

Note 1: The North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010 presents waste statistics for 2003.

Note 2: Includes waste collected from both Public and Private sector

Note 3: includes residual waste collected at Recycling centres (approximately 1,257 tonnes)

Note 4: Estimated Population of the North East Region in 2009 = 422,193 persons; Number of households = 140,731 households using data from Border Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2020; Regional Planning Guidelines for the GDA 2010-2022

3.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Household Waste arising in the Region is collected, treated and disposed of through an integrated system comprising kerbside collections, Bring Banks, Bring Centres, Recycling Centres and home composting.

Many households in the Region now have a three-bin collection service to allow for the source-segregated collection of mixed residual waste, mixed dry recyclables and organic waste. There is also a large network of Bring Banks and Recycling Centres within the Region.

Source 2005 WMP (tonnes) Note 1 2009 (tonnes) Note 2

Residual Waste (Black bin and Recycling centre residual waste) 84,092 83,546 Note 3

Recyclable Waste (Green bin)

25,211

20,797

Organic Waste (Brown bin) 2,932

Bring Banks 6,661

Recycling Centres 19,866

Home Composting (estimate) 1,900 2,050

Uncollected Waste (estimate) 50,147 22,725

TOTAL 161,350 158,577

Waste per Household Note 4 1.46 1.12

Waste per capita Note 4 0.47 0.38


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The number of houses being served with a kerbside collection service has increased since the adoption of the Waste Plan in 2005. This is as a result of an expansion of collection services in rural areas.

The number of Bring Banks has also grown significantly since the adoption of the Waste Plan in 2005, which has helped to reduce the estimated quantities of uncollected waste. Quantities of Managed and uncollected waste being generated currently and at the time of the Waste Plan in 2005 are shown in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Quantities of Collected and Uncollected Waste in the Region

WMP 2005 2009

County Managed (tonnes)

Uncollected (tonnes)

Managed (tonnes)

Uncollected (tonnes)

Cavan 14,992 12,229 17,803 11323

Louth 37,818 14,266 44,712 5,075

Meath 44,133 13,455 57,995 2098

Monaghan 14,260 10,197 15,342 4229

Region 111,203 50,147 135,852 22,725

3.2.1 Kerbside Collection

In 2003, approximately 66% of households were provided with a kerbside waste collection. It was estimated that private sector provided a kerbside collection service to approximately 96% of these households and approximately 90% were provided with a separate collection service for mixed dry recyclables.

The 2005 Waste Plan set the following objectives in relation to the kerbside collection of household waste:

Specify through bye-laws how householders must separate and present waste. These bye-laws will also ensure that each household has the required waste receptacles. (2008)

Ensure that household waste recycling is adequately addressed in all proposed new

residential developments, by taking this into account during the Planning Application process. (2005 – 2010)

Ensure that an additional household waste collection (‘brown bin’) for organic waste generated

by households is introduced. (2008) In 2009, kerbside collections of household waste in the Region were operated solely by the private sector. 73% of all households in the region are now provided with a kerbside collection service for household waste. However it should be noted that 10% of un-serviced households were also unoccupied in 2009.


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Figure 3.1: % Households with and without a collection service in the North East Region

Collection Service

73%

No Collection service

27%

Of the occupied households, it is estimated that approximately 82% were provided with a collection service in 2009. Figure 3.2 shows the estimated percentage of occupied households provided with a kerbside collection service.

Figure 3.2: % Occupied Households with a Kerbside Collection Service

2-bin collection service (65%)


no collection service (18%)


Approximately 65% of occupied households are provided with a separate kerbside collection service for mixed dry recyclables and 10% of households also have a separate kerbside collection service for organic waste. Waste bye laws for household and commercial waste introduced in 2008 influenced this development through the requirement to avail of a separate collection system.

It was also a requirement of the Waste Plan for waste collection companies to implement use-related charging systems in order to encourage the minimisation of waste generation and recycling. This is discussed further in Section 3.4.

3.2.2 Recycling Centres

Recycling Centres are distinct from Bring Banks in that they are generally located within purpose built sites, are manned by permanent full-time staff – either from the Local Authority or private contractor, have restricted opening hours, and accept an extensive range of materials.


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In 2003, there were seven full-scale Recycling Centres in the Region. The total waste collected by the seven Recycling Centres in operation in 2003 was 13,188 tonnes. Table 3.3 lists the Recycling Centres in existence in 2003 and the quantities of waste collected in that year.

Table 3.3: Recycling Centres in the North East (2003)

Local Authority Recycling Centre Waste Collected in 2003 (tonnes)

Cavan Bailieborough Recycling Centre

311 Corranure Recycling Centre

Louth V & W Recycling Centre, Dundalk 7,893

Meath

Navan Civic Amenity Site

2,916 Trim Civic Amenity Site

Dunboyne Civic Amenity Site (owned by Thorntons Recycling)

Monaghan Scotch Corner Recycling Centre 2,067

A target of the previous Waste Plan was to provide a further four facilities in the period 2005-2010 to bring the total number of Recycling Centres in the Region to 11.

Four additional Recycling Centres have been provided over the period 2005 - 2010: Ballyconnell, Carrickmacross, Drogheda and Kells.

This brings the current number of full-scale Recycling Centres (also known as Civic Amenity Sites) in the Region to 11. Table 3.4 lists the Recycling Centres in the Region and the quantities of waste collected within these facilities in 2009.

Table 3.4: Recycling Centres in the North East (2009)

Local Authority Recycling Centre Waste Collected in 2009 (tonnes)

Note 1

Cavan

Ballyconnell Recycling Centre

2,746 Bailieborough Recycling Centre

Corranure Recycling Centre

Louth V & W Recycling Centre, Dundalk

11,669 V & W Recycling Centre, Drogheda

Meath

Navan Civic Amenity Site

5,409

Kells Civic Amenity Site

Trim Civic Amenity Site

Dunboyne Civic Amenity Site (owned by Thorntons Recycling)

Monaghan Carrickmacross Recycling Centre*

1,299 Scotch Corner Recycling Centre

*opened in August 2010 so no figures for 2009 Note1: Figures include residual waste accepted these facilities


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• Cavan: There are three Recycling Centres in Cavan. The Recycling Centres at Bailieborough and Ballyconnell are owned and run by Cavan County Council. Bailieborough Recycling Centre opens on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 5pm on. Ballyconnell Recycling Centre opens Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and from 8am to 1pm on Saturday. There is a €3 gate fee. The Recycling Centre at Corranure is operated by Oxigen on behalf of Cavan County Council and opens Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm and on Saturday from 8am to 12.30pm. Recycling is free for all items and charges only apply to general household waste.

• Louth: There are two Recycling Centres in Louth. The Recycling Centres at Dundalk and Drogheda are operated by V & W Recycling on behalf of Louth County Council and opens Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm and on Saturday from 9am to 3pm. There is a gate fee of €2 charges only apply to general household waste.

• Meath: There are four Recycling Centres in Meath. Three of these are owned by Meath County Council and operated by Oxigen on their behalf. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4.45pm, and they do not open on Sunday or Bank Holidays. There is a €3 gate fee. Each of the three centres accepts all waste streams free of charge, except for waste oil (€1 for each litre above the five-litre threshold) and bulky waste (from a minimum of €4 for a bag of carpet/lino to a maximum of €20 for a large roll of carpet/lino).The other Recycling Centre is owned by Thorntons Recycling and is part of an integrated Civic Amenity and Materials Recovery Facility and is located in Dunboyne Industrial Estate. This facility has been issued with a waste licence by the EPA (W0206-01) to process 50,000 tonnes per annum. There is a €2 gate fee.

• Monaghan: There are two Recycling Centres in Monaghan. They are located at Carrickmacross and Scotch Corner and both are run by McElvaney Waste on behalf of Monaghan County Council. Carrickmacross Recycling Centre opened in August 2010.The Recycling Centres open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm and on Saturday from 9am to 4pm. There is a gate fee of €2 and charges only apply to general household waste.

In 2009, approximately 21,123 tonnes of material was collected at the 11 Recycling Centres.

It was also an objective of the Waste Plan for these recycling centres to cater for materials not accepted in the door-to-door collection service, such as WEEE, household hazardous waste and green waste. Recycling Centres through out the Region currently cater all these wastes streams.

ERP-Ireland currently collect WEEE from Recycling Centres and designated public collection points in some counties on behalf of the Local Authorities.

3.2.3 Bring Banks

In 2003, there were a total of 91 bring banks in the Region. This meant that each bring bank served 1,212 households which falls short of the national average.

It was a target in the Waste Plan to expand the network of bring banks in the Region by employing innovative methods of siting and collection, in order to achieve a ratio of 1 bring bank per 500 households by 2015. In 2009, there were 145 bring banks in the Region which equates to 1 bring bank per 970 households. Table 3.5 shows the changes in the number of bring banks in the Region since the Waste Plan was adopted.

Table 3.5: Bring Banks in the Region

Local Authority

2003 2009 Increase (2003 – 2009)

No. Bring Quantity No. Bring Quantity No. Bring Quantity


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Banks Collected (tonnes)



Cavan 23 669 31 1,388 8 719

Louth 20 731 48 2,061 28 1,330

Meath 22 1,389 37 2,039 15 650

Monaghan 26 381 29 1,173 3 792

Total 91 3,170 145 6,661 54 3,491

The total waste collected at the 91 bring banks in 2003 was 3,170 tonnes. In 2009, the quantity of waste collected at the 145 bring banks was 6,661 tonnes. This is not just an increase in the quantity of waste collected at the bring banks but on the average quantity collected at each bring bank.

The current density of 1 bring bank per 970 households is a significant improvement on the situation in 2003 but it is still short of the target density.

Table 3.6 provides a breakdown of the various waste streams collected at recycling centres and bring banks in the Region in 2009. Table 3.6 Quantity of materials accepted at Bring Banks and Recycling Centres in 2009

Material Recycling Centres Bring Banks Total

Residual 1,257 1,257 Paper/Card 4,737 124 4,861

Organic 5,071 5,071 Glass 1,584 5,835 7,419 Metals 1,356 188 1,544

Plastics 1,496 300 1,796 Mixed Dry Recyclables 958

Composites 32 5 37 Textiles 322 210 531 Wood 773 773

Batteries 117 0 117 Oil 137 137

Paint 24 24 WEEE 1,271 1,271 Tyres 5 5

Plasterboard 38 38 Bulky 0 0 Haz 7 7 C&D 1,938 1,938 Total 21,123 6,661 27,784


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3.3 WASTE RECYCLING RATE Table 3.7 shows that the overall regional household recycling rate for 2009 is 33%, indicating that the Region continues to progress towards its long term target. It should be noted that the waste arising includes ‘uncollected waste’ and ‘home composting’ quantities. Table 3.7: Recycling Rate for Household Waste 2003 and 2009

Cavan Louth Meath Monaghan 2009 2003 Household Waste Arising 29,126 49,787 60,093 19,571 158,577 161,350 Uncollected Waste (estimate) 11,323 5,075 2,098 4,229 22,725 50,147 Managed Household Waste 17,803 44,712 57,995 15,342 135,852 109,303 Residual Waste (Black bin and Recycling Centre) 11,218 23,215 39,851 9,262 83,546 84,092 Recyclable Waste (Green bin) 2,164 6,063 9,294 3,276 20,797 8,854 Organic Waste (Brown bin) 8 2,514 139 271 2,932 0 Bring Banks 1,388 2,061 2,039 1,173 6,661 3,170 Recycling Centres * 2,703 10,776 5,377 1,010 19,866 13,188 Home Composting (estimate) 322 83 1295 350 2,050 1,900 Total Recycled 6,585 21,497 18,144 6,080 52,306 25,212 % Recycled 23% 43% 30% 31% 33% 16% Total Landfilled 11,218 23,215 39,851 9,262 83,546 84,091 % landfilled 39% 47% 66% 47% 53% 52%

Source: Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns 2009 and Waste Facility AER’s 2009.

*Residual waste collected at Recycling Centres is accounted for in the residual waste quantity

3.4 WASTE CHARGES

In 2003, the waste charges for the kerbside collection of waste in the Region comprised a selection of charging systems. One of the objectives of the previous Waste Plan was to ‘require that use-related charging systems be implemented across the Region in order to support the minimisation of waste and recycling’. The target date for implementation was 2005. The charging systems at the time of the Waste Plan and the charging systems currently in operation across the region are detailed in Table 3.8.


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Table 3.8: Waste Charging Systems in the North East

Local Authority

Main Charging System (WMP 2005)


Cavan Private collectors charged a flat rate according to the size of the bins and the Local Authority provided a pay-by-bag service

The majority of waste collectors operate a pay-by-use tag system. Two of the waste collectors still operate a fixed charge but are in the process of changing to a pay-by-use system using bins with chips.

Louth Fixed annual charge along with a tag system

The largest waste collection companies in the county charge a fixed charge (based on bin size) though one also offers a Pay-by-weight option.

Meath Flat rate according to the size of the bins

The flat rate or fixed annual charge that is dependent on the size of the bins is still the dominant charging system. However more of the new operators are offering pay-by-use systems.

Monaghan A fixed annual charge with an additional pay-by-weight charge

Main charging system in operation is a fixed annual charge depending on the size of the bins used although one collector offers a pay-per-weight and a tag system.

Whilst there are more waste collection companies operating a pay-by-use charging system for the collection of household waste, the full-scale implementation of use-related charging systems is a long way from realisation.

3.5 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

Approximately 307 tonnes of household hazardous waste was collected in the Region in 2009 through recycling centres and bring centres. This is 46% less than that collected in 2003 where 567 tonnes of similar material were reported as collected. Table 3.9 provides a breakdown of the hazardous waste collected in the Region in 2009.

Table 3.9: Household hazardous waste collected 2009

Waste type Cavan Louth Meath Monaghan Total Regional

Tonnes collected 2009

Batteries 24 45 38 10 117

Oils 4 8 125 20 157

Fluorescent tubes 0 0 2 0 2 Other Hazardous

Waste* 0 5 25 1 31

Subtotal (tonnes) 28 58 190 31 307 kg per household 2.2

*This includes paints, varnishes, oil-related waste, aerosols, gas cyclinders etc. Batteries include small batteries and lead acid batteries


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It should also be noted that 559 tonnes of waste batteries were collected by the private sector in 2009. These batteries were collected from commercial and industrial premises primarily resulting from the recent introduction of the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2008.

Table 3.10: Separate Collection of Batteries from Commerce and Industry

Waste type Cavan Louth Meath Monaghan Tonnes collected 2009

Batteries 96 39 416.45 7 559 Source: Local Authority Waste Collection Permit AERS

3.6 UNCOLLECTED WASTE

In 2003, 34% of the households in the Region were without a kerbside waste collection service. The Local Authorities recognised this to be an important issue and set the following targets in their policy objectives :

Increasing the network of Bring Banks such that a density of 1 Bring Bank per 500 households would be achieved by 2015.

Provide an additional four Recycling Centres with capacity to accept a range of materials not collected by kerbside collection services, including WEEE, household hazardous waste and green waste, by 2010.

In 2009, the number of occupied households with a kerbside collection has increased to 82% and the network of Bring Banks has increased by almost 60% and has achieved a density of 1 Bring Bank per 970 households. The target of four additional Recycling Centres has been achieved. Consequently, the estimated quantity of uncollected waste in 2009 was 55% lower than in 2003 (22,725 tonnes).


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4 COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY

All Commercial and Industrial (C&I) waste in the Region is collected by private operators. Since the adoption of the Waste Plan, the quality of reporting by waste collectors has improved, primarily by stricter enforcement of the Waste Collection and Waste Facility Permit systems which requires the submission of Annual Environmental Reports (AERs). However, the problems remains where commercial waste is collected as mixed C&I waste resulting in difficulties in differentiating between waste streams. It was estimated that the quantity of C&I waste (excluding C&D waste) generated in the Region in 2003 was 97,165 tonnes.

An objective of the Waste Plan was to increase the collection and recycling of C&I waste by requiring waste producers and collection companies to ensure the source segregation of waste through regulation, the Waste Collection Permit system and bye laws.

Since the adoption of the Waste Plan, new Waste Collection Permit Regulations (S.I. No. 820 of 2007 and S.I. No. 87 of 2008) and subsequent amendments have come into effect. Under the review of existing and applications for new Waste Collection Permits, local authorities could specify that waste collectors must offer a separate collection system for recyclable waste. Further to that, all four local authorities in the Region have introduced bye laws concerning the storage, presentation and collection of household and commercial waste. These bye laws require the source segregation of waste into three waste streams: mixed residual waste (grey bin), mixed dry recyclables (green bin) and organic waste (brown bin).

4.1 GENERATION

In 2009, it is estimated that the quantity of C&I waste generated in the Region, based on the AERs issued by the waste collectors, was 161,988 tonnes. This figure is comprised primarily of packaging waste and the non-household portion of the municipal waste stream (and does not include construction and demolition waste). It is approximately 68% higher than the 2003 estimate. It is considered that this increase is due mostly to an improved level of reporting and stricter enforcement of the Waste Collection Permit system, which results in a greater quantity of this waste stream being accounted for.

4.2 COLLECTION

The C&I waste stream is collected by the private sector. Approximately 74% of the C&I waste stream is reported as ‘mixed municipal waste’, with over 122,000 tonnes collected in 2009. However, this code is being used to record quantities of both mixed residual waste and mixed dry recyclables and so it is not possible to get an accurate figure for the quantities of the separately collected fractions. Of what is reported as being collected separately, Paper/Cardboard is the largest fraction with 22,254 tonnes collected in 2009.

4.3 RECOVERY & RECYCLING

Over the term of the Waste Plan, recovery and recycling rates have increased for from 35% to 41% for C&I waste. This is largely due to the introduction of legislation such as the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 and the Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2008 (and subsequent amendments); and bye-laws on the presentation and collection of waste. These measures are set in place to ensure greater recycling and recovery as well as to make the disposal of waste to landfill a more expensive option.


MDR0783Rp0001 A01 21

For the purposes of this review, it has been assumed that separately collected C&I waste is recycled. In 2009, there was a total of 161,988 tonnes of C&I waste collected. The total recycled/recovered waste was 66,246 tonnes. This gives a recovery rate of 41%.

Table 4.1: Recovery of C&I Waste Stream in the North East (2009)

Waste Type Quantity (tonnes)

Total C&I Waste collected 161,988

Separately Collected C&I Waste 44,703

Recovered portion of ‘Mixed municipal waste’ 21,543

Total Recovered Waste 66,246

Recovery Rate (%) 41%

The main problem in trying to determine the calculation of the recycling/recovery rate is the level of detail given by waste collectors in AERs. Whilst some collectors make every effort to give an accurate description of the waste streams they are collecting (by using the appropriate European Waste Catalogue (EWC) codes or by attaching a description of the waste stream) as well as stating whether it is recovered, disposed and the source of the waste, that level of detail is not always present and often waste streams are simply listed as being ‘mixed municipal waste’ with no further detail on whether it is residual waste or recyclable.

This development of multi-regional waste collection permits has also lead to difficulties associated with accurately tracking the movement of waste into and out of Regions. This in turn leads to additional complexities in estimating accurate quantities of commercial/industrial waste generated.


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5 MUNICIPAL WASTE ARISINGS AND RECOVERY RATE

Municipal waste arisings of 325,293 tonnes are estimated for 2009 in the North East Region, representing a 23% increase in municipal waste arisings recorded since 2003. Of the arisings approximately 93% of municipal waste generated was managed, representing a 13% increase since 2003. Table 5.1 provides a breakdown of the Municipal arisings generated, managed, recycled and disposed in the region. Overall the recovery rate for the region has increased from 22% to 36% and the disposal rate has decreased by 1% from 58% to 57%. Table 5.1: North East Region Municipal Waste Arisings and Recovery Rate 2003 & 2009 Waste Stream Total Tonnes 2003 Total Tonnes 2009

Household Waste Generated 161,350 158,577

Commercial/ Industrial Waste Generated 97,165 161,988

Litter and Street Sweepings 5,237 4,800

Municipal Waste Generated 263,752 325,365

Household Waste Managed 109,303 135,852

Commercial Waste Managed 97,165 161,988

Litter and Street Sweepings Managed 5,237 4,800

Municipal Waste Managed 211,705 302,640

% Municipal Waste Managed 80% 93%

Household Waste Recycled 25,212 52,306

Commercial/ Industrial Waste Recycled 33,572 66,246

Municipal Waste Recycled 58,784 118,552

Municipal Waste Recycling Rate 22% 36%

Municipal Waste Disposed 152,921 184,088

Municipal Waste Disposal Rate 58% 57%

Note 1:based on municipal waste generation quantities


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5.1 WASTE COMPOSITION

To estimate quantities for each of the waste streams, national waste compositional data for household and commercial waste sourced from the EPA National Waste Report (2008) has been used. Figures 5.1 & 5.2 illustrate the EPA compositional data for household and commercial wastes. The compositions are based on waste characterisations surveys carried out by local authorities under the EPA guidance in 2008.

Household Waste

Paper and Cardboard

24%

Textiles6%

Plastic12%

Glass9%

Metal4%

Others22%

Organic and Garden Waste23%

Figure 5.1: Composition of Household Waste

Commercial Waste

Organic and Garden Waste36%

Textiles4%

Plastic10%

Glass3%

Metal2% Others

7%

Paper and Cardboard

38%


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Figure 5.2: Composition of Commercial Waste

Table 5.2 provides a waste tonnage estimate for the household and commercial waste streams for the north east region.

Table 5.2: Waste Compositional Quantities for Household and Commercial Waste

Waste Stream

Household Waste

(Tonnes per annum)

Commercial Waste

(Tonnes per annum)

Total

Organic 35,997 58,478 94,475 Paper 39,644 62,365 102,010 Plastics 19,664 15,713 35,376 Glass 13,479 4,536 18,015 Metal 5,867 3,078 8,945 Textiles 8,880 6,480 15,360 Others 35,046 11,339 46,385 Totals 158,577 161,988 320,565


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6 WASTE DISPOSAL

6.1 EXISTING LANDFILLS

There are currently 5 landfill facilities in operation in the North East Region. Scotch Corner and Whiteriver are owned and operated by the Monaghan and Louth County Councils respectively; Knockharley is owned and operated by Greenstar; Corranure is owned by Cavan County Council and operated by Oxigen; and Murphy Environmental is owned and operated by Murphy Environmental. Table 6.1 details the quantity of waste landfilled in the region in 2003 and 2009. The quantity of waste landfilled in 2009 was approximately 28% less than that landfilled in 2003. It is clear that this reduction was principally due to the quantity of C&D waste landfilled in Murphy Environmental’s inert Landfill.

Table 6.1: Summary waste landfilled in each County 2003 and 2009

County Waste Landfilled in 2003 (tonnes)

Waste Landfilled in 2009 (tonnes)Note 1

Monaghan (Scotch Corner) 38,824 38,824

Louth ( Whiteriver) 80,634 53,664

Meath (Knockharley) 136,121 173,228

Cavan (Corranure) 45,890 89,165

Meath (Murphy Environmental) 686,662 352,319

North East Region 988,131 707,200 Note 1: Source: EPA National Waste Report Section 20 of this Review Report provides further details on the quantity of waste landfilled in each facility in 2009 and the estimated remaining void space.

6.2 MUNICIPAL WASTE DISPOSAL

In 2009 it is estimated that approximately 235,389 tonnes of ‘municipal’ waste was landfilled in the North East Region. This represents a 80% increase in the quantity of municipal waste landfilled since 2003. Table 6.2 details ‘municipal’ waste landfilled in the region in 2003 and 2009.

Table 6.2: Summary municipal waste landfilled in the region and exported 2003 and 2009

Waste Type 2003 (tonnes) 2009 (tonnes) Note 1

Household 62,000 202,672

Commercial 38,000 128,798

Street sweepings 4,600 4,800

Total Municipal 130,600 235,389 Note 1: Source: Facility Annual Environmental Reports 2009; Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns 2009

It should be noted that comparing the quantity of individual waste streams landfilled in 2003 versus 2009 is difficult due to the majority of material (202,165 tonnes) in 2009 being reported as ‘mixed municipal waste’. To accurately estimate the quantity of various waste streams landfilled in the region moving forward it will be necessary to implement measures to address this.


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Assuming all residual household, commercial and street sweeping waste generated in the North East Region is landfilled in the Region (184,088 tonnes), it is estimated that approximately 51,301 tonnes of municipal waste is imported from surrounding regions for disposal.


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7 WASTE MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE NORTH EAST REGION

Table 6.4 summarises the estimated movement of waste quantities into and out of the Region for household, commercial, industrial, and C&D waste in 2009. The estimate represents the majority of the movements into and out of the North-East Region.

Waste collection in the North-East Region is carried out by a mix of local, regional and national waste collectors and waste can often be transported across regional boundaries for treatment or disposal in neighbouring regions. This coupled with the significant landfill capacity available in the North East Region has impacted the quantities of waste imported and exported in the Region. Less waste was imported from outside the Region and less waste was exported to facilities outside of the Region in 2009. However it should be recognised that the reduced activity in the construction sector as a result of the economic downturn has changed how the figures may look had the level of activity been the same as in 2009 as it was in 2003.

It is expected that waste movements into and out of the region will change in accordance with the development of waste infrastructure capacity. However, there is a need to improve the waste collection and movement reporting by collectors in order to determine more accurate estimates of individual waste streams. While the provision of multi-regional waste collection permits to waste collectors by nominated Local Authorities has assisted in tracking and monitoring waste movements, difficulties still remain in relation to obtaining information from other regions and the accuracy of waste data reporting by waste collectors. This should be overcome through greater regulation, enforcement and possibly the provision of a centralised Waste Collection Permitting Authority.

Table 7.4 Inter-Regional Waste Movements in the North East Region (2009)

Waste Type

Waste Imported (tonnes) (2003)

Waste Imported (tonnes) (2009)

Waste Exported (tonnes) (2003)

Waste Exported (tonnes) (2009)

Household N/A 46,441 Note 1 48,000 31,932

Commercial/ Industrial 500

68,202 Note 1 85,000 92,048

Construction and Demolition 816,914

620,560 89,000 29,056

Total 817,414 736,988 222,000 121,137

Source: LA Waste Collection Permit Returns 2009; Waste Facility Operators 2010 Note 1:Some reported as municipal waste


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8 BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPAL WASTE

Biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) is the degradable element of household, commercial, non-process industrial and cleansing waste. The main constituent s of which as park and garden waste, food waste, timber, paper, card and textiles.

There are two key pieces of EU legislation that deal with biodegradable waste. Article 22 of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) requires separate collection of biowaste and the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) requires the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill.

Article 5 and 6 of the Landfill Directive obligated landfill operators to demonstrate all waste accepted at landfill has been subject to pre-treatment. This was binding from July 2001 for landfills commencing operations on or after such a date and was binding for all operational landfills (including pre 2001 landfills) from July 2009.

Article 5 of the Landfill Directive sets out specific BMW landfill diversion requirements which become more stringent with time. The National Biodegradable Municipal Waste Strategy was adopted in 2006 to assist in meeting this diversion requirements.

Table 8.2 details national landfill diversion requirements, target years and the quantity of BMW allowed to landfill in the North East Region as detailed in the Waste Plan. The maximum allowable BMW to landfill was calculated based on the assumption that organics, paper, card, textiles and wood were 100% biodegradable, which resulted in approximately 65% of MSW comprising of BMW.

However further municipal waste characterisation studies carried out on behalf of the EPA (EPA, 2008) suggest the nature, composition and understanding of municipal waste has evolved since 1995. Therefore it is more accurate to apply various biodegradability factors to Municipal Waste dependant on the type of collection system implemented and the waste materials collected. As a result it is necessary to revise the BMW content of municipal waste and revise the 1995 baseline BMW figures. The latest estimates indicate approximately 69%1 of MSW generated comprises BMW. Table 8.1 and Table 8.2 detail the implications for the North East Region.

Table 8.1: Revised Baseline BMW Generated

Baseline North East Region MSW Generated BMW Generated

1995 129,075 83,898

1995 (revised 2010) 129,075 89,062

Table 8.2: Revised Targets for BMW diversion from landfill

Target Year Landfill Directive Target Maximum BMW allowed to landfill (tonnes)

Revised Maximum BMW allowed to landfill (tonnes)

2010 75% of BMW generated in 1995 62,924 66,797



1 EPA National Waste Report 2009


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8.1 CURRENT POSITION

There has been significant progress in terms of rolling out source segregated collection systems nationally, therefore it is no longer appropriate to apply one generic biodegradability factor to all municipal waste streams. The biodegradability factor applied to various waste streams should take the collection and treatment arrangements into consideration. Table 8.3 estimates the quantity of Biodegradable Municipal Waste generated and managed in the North East Region in 2009 using appropriate biodegradability factors as outlined in the National Waste Report 2009.

It is estimated that approximately 210,858 tonnes of BMW was generated in the North East Region in 2009 and of this approximately 126,563 tonnes was consigned to landfill.

Table 8.3: Estimated Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) Generated in the North East Region in 2009

Waste Stream Managed Municipal

Waste (tonnes) Available Biodegradable Waste (tonnes) Note 1

BMW Content residual waste consigned to landfill (tonnes)

Household Note 2 135,852 82,683 Note 3 51,445

Commercial 161,988 125,055 71,998

Cleansing 4,800 3,120 3,120

Total 302,640 210,858 126,563 Note 1: Based on method applied by the EPA in the National Waste Report 2008 and 2009

Note 2: Assumes a biodegradability factor based on 9% of serviced households avail of a 1-bin collection system; 79% avail of 2-bin collection system and 12% avail of a 3-bin collection system.

Note 3: Based on method applied by EPA Table 18 of the National Waste Report 2009

Even though an estimated 184,088 tonnes of municipal waste ‘arising’ in the North East region was sent for disposal in 2009, it should be noted that a total of 235,389 tonnes of municipal waste was landfilled in the region. Applying the appropriate biodegradability factors to the various waste streams landfilled results in an estimated 226,389 tonnes of BMW consigned to landfill in the North East Region in 2009. This is a significant increase since 2003 (168% increase).

It should be noted that a significant proportion of household and commercial/industrial waste was reported as ‘mixed residual waste’. A more accurate description of this ‘mixed residual waste’ stream is required to accurately report the quantity of BMW consigned to landfill moving forward. The waste management process generating residual waste will also influence the calculation of biodegradable municipal waste landfilled in the region moving forward.

Table 8.4: Estimated Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) Landfilled 2009 and 2003

Quantity Landfilled 2009 (tonnes)

Estimated BMW content of Residual Waste (%)Note 1

BMW Landfilled (tonnes)

Household Waste Landfilled 202,672 62.5 Note 2 126,670 C/I waste Landfilled 128,798 75 Note 3 96,599 Street sweepings 4,800 65 3,120 Total 2009 235,389 226,389 Total 2003 130,000 84,500

Note 1: Based on method applied by the EPA in the National Waste Report 2008 and 2009

Note 2: As the various processes involved in producing residual household waste are unknown for wastes generated outside the North East Region, the biodegradability factor is assumed to be the same as that calculated for the North East Region i.e 62.5%

Note 3: It is assumed that all residual commercial waste was collected via a 2-bin collection service


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8.2 BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF FOOD AND GARDEN WASTE

The 2006, National Biodegradable Municipal Waste Strategy details national diversion targets for biodegradable municipal waste necessary to meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive. In terms of ‘organic’ waste it states this waste fraction should be separately collected as far as practically possible. It also sets diversion targets for various biodegradable waste streams. Applying the organic waste diversion targets of the Strategy to the North East Region leads to the requirement for significant biological treatment capacity. Table 8.5 details the quantity of biological treatment capacity necessary to treat organic waste arising in the North East Region in order to meet these national targets.

Table 8.5: Summarises Biological Treatment Capacity Requirements for household and commercial organic waste generated in the North East Region to meet the targets of the Biodegradable Municipal Waste Strategy.

Municipal Waste 2009 (Actual

tonnes) 2010 target

(tonnes) 2013 target

(tonnes) 2016 target

(tonnes)

Total Produced Note 1 320,565 308,253 332,323 355,508Estimated Organic and Garden Waste Produced Note 2 94,475 89,689 96,367 103,090Recycling Target (%) 16% 25% 33% 36%Recycling Capacity Required 15,011 22,422 31,801 37,112Note 1: Total Household and Commercial waste based on Municipal waste projections Note 2: Based on National Composition of Household and Commercial Waste 2008, EPA National Waste Report 2008.

8.2.1 Organic and Garden Waste Currently Treated in the North East Region

In 2009 approximately 58,800 tonnes2 of organic and garden waste was biologically treated in the North East Region. An estimated 15,000 tonnes of this was generated in the North East Region and an estimated 43,800 tonnes was imported for biological treatment.

8.3 RESIDUAL BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPAL WASTE (BMW)

BMW which cannot be prevented, reused or recycled will be collected as a part of Residual Municipal Waste. However, it will not be possible to landfill all of this material due to the mandatory diversion targets for BMW contained in the Landfill Directive. The National Biodegradable Municipal Waste Strategy sets national targets for the diversion of this material from landfill. In 2009 the EPA also published a guidance document entitled Municipal Solid Waste – Pre-treatment and Residuals Management, to assist Ireland in meeting its separate collection and landfill diversion obligations and to assist in the delivery of policy outlined in the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy. In doing so, the guidance document states the maximum allowable BMW content in MSW accepted at landfill should be:

• 40% (by weight) for 2010;

• 24% (by weight) for 2013; and

• 15% (by weight) for 2016.

2 Facility Annual Environmental Reports 2009


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In June 2010, the EPA subsequently changed the 2010 target from 40% (by weight) to 47% (by weight).

If it is assumed the same quantity of municipal waste is landfilled in the North East Region in 2010 as was landfilled in the region in 2009 (235,389 tonnes), diversion of approximately 115,000 tonnes of BMW is required to meet the EPA’s pretreatment target for 2010 (47%).

Considering solely, the quantity of municipal waste generated and landfilled in the North East Region (184,088 tonnes) it is estimated approximately 40,000 tonnes of BMW must be diverted from landfill to meet the EPA’s pretreatment target for 2010.

It is a national requirement to develop suitable infrastructure for the diversion of BMW from residual black bin waste. The roll out of 3-bin separate collection systems, increased recycling and alternative residual capacity is necessary to meet these diversion requirements. Proposals to develop such infrastructure should be inline with regional and inter regional diversion requirements.


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9 MUNICIPAL WASTE PROJECTIONS

In preparing the projections both national and regional waste data recorded between 2003 and 2009 was reviewed in the context of the changes recorded, to determine the factors of strongest influence over household, commercial and municipal waste. This assessment found that there is a strong co-relation between recorded values of household waste and population growth and a similar co-relation between commercial waste values and GDP. A strong co-relation also exists between municipal waste and GDP, however using this approach ignores the affect of population growth on waste arisings particularly at the household level.

Table 9.1 sets out revised projections for municipal waste for the region for the period 2010 to 2020. The projections have been calculated by developing a relationship between the existing data for the household and commercial waste streams and the influencing factors, population growth and economic growth respectively. This relationship is averaged and is termed a constant emission intensity factor and is then applied to future projections for population and economic growth. Table 8.1 details the revised projections for Municipal Waste arisings in the region. Projected MSW arisings from 2009 to 2013 are expected to be slower than previously predicted. However they are expected to start rising again from 2014.

These projections have been verified and checked against projections prepared by the ESRI using the ISus model. In general the projected trend of the different models compare favourably. In summary it is projected that there was a 3.5% reduction in the quantity of municipal waste generated in 2010 compared to 2009, however from 2010 it is projected that municipal waste will grow at an average annual rate of 2.4% over the remaining time period.

Table 9.1: Municipal Waste Projection 2009 – 2020

Note: Population projections for the North East Region were sourced from the Border Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022 and the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2010-2022. Economic projections were sourced from the ESRI Medium Term Review 2008 – 2015 and the latest Quarterly Review. The 2008 national composition of municipal waste is used to predict the individual quantities of household and commercial waste arising in the region until 2020. There are numerous methods of calculating waste projections for individual waste streams including the application of 2009 regional

Year

2005 Waste Plan Municipal Waste

Projections (tonnes)

2010 Revised Municipal Waste

Projections (tonnes)

Household (tonnes)

Commercial (tonnes)

2009 313,515 320,565 158,577 161,988

2010 319,180 309,293 163,925 145,368

2011 323,740 316,798 167,903 148,895

2012 328,384 324,473 171,971 152,502

2013 333,055 332,323 176,131 156,192

2014 337,171 340,354 180,388 159,966

2015 341,337 348,573 184,744 163,829

2016 346,286 355,508 188,419 167,089

2017 350,861 362,195 191,963 170,232

2018 355,514 368,994 195,567 173,427

2019 360,230 375,908 199,231 176,677

2020 365,014 382,940 202,958 179,982


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compositional factors, which result in differing outcomes. Therefore use of individual waste stream projections should be used with caution.

It should be recognised that preparing waste projections is challenging with many variables to consider. Accurate data reporting is essential for producing reliable projections. As the availability of waste data extends over the coming years a better understanding of the factors impacting on waste growth will be obtained. These projections should be revised on an annual basis taking account of new data and also improved modeling techniques and approaches.

The precision of individual annual growth rates should not be over relied on as waste quantities are forecasted projections based on available data and not true values.


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10 INDUSTRIAL WASTE

Industrial waste includes various types of process waste arising from manufacturing industries, mining and quarrying activities and power stations. The quantity of industrial waste generated from the manufacturing industry in the North East was estimated using a database of industry employees for the Region; CSO NACE Rev 2 codes and national industrial data provided in the EPA National Waste Report 2008. A scaling methodology was employed to estimate the total waste generated in each industrial sector within the North East Region. It was estimated that approximately 396,143 tonnes of Industrial waste was generated in 2009. In 2003, the quantity of Industrial waste generated in the North East region was estimated to be between 195,683 tonnes (using a specific Industrial waste factor for the North East Region) and 579,401 tonnes (using the method applied in 2009).

The Waste Plan identified the difficulty in obtaining accurate information on this waste stream in 2003 was due to reporting mechanisms. This remains to be the case in 2009. It should also be noted that some of this waste stream (the non-process fraction) is collected and reported as mixed C&I waste.

A detailed Analysis of each industrial facilities Annual Environmental Returns is required to obtain a more accurate indication of the ‘true’ quantity of industrial waste generated in the North East Region.


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11 PACKAGING WASTE

The estimated quantity of packaging waste arising in the North East Region in 2009 is estimated to be 83,876 tonnes. This is approximately 20% less than that generated in 2003 at 104,034 tonnes. This reduced quantity of packaging waste determined for 2009 maybe attributed to the incorporation of a 20% contamination factor.to packaging waste landfilled and recycled. Packaging waste arisings were calculated using the EPA’s Municipal Waste Composition Survey Report 2008, household and commercial/industrial waste landfilled in the region and household and commercial/industrial waste recycled/recovered in the region.

The quantity of packaging waste landfilled and recovered/recycled is based on packaging waste compositional factors for both waste streams as reported by the EPA in 2008. It is estimated that approximately 32,138 tonnes of packaging waste was landfilled in 2009 and 51,026 tonnes of packaging waste was recycled/recovered.

As a consequence of the reduced tonnage of packaging waste landfilled, and a stable quantity recovered, the packaging recovery rate increased from 38% in 2003 to 61% in 2009.

The Packaging Directive 94/62/EC as amended sets down minimum targets for recycling of packaging waste including:

• 60% as a minimum by weight of packaging waste will be recovered or incinerated at waste incineration plants with energy recovery

• 55% as a minimum by weight of packaging waste will be recycled.

Based on these targets the North East Region is meeting the minimum recycling target in 2009.

In order to determine progress made towards the recycling target of 55% (excluding energy recovery) going forward, accurate reporting of individual packaging waste steams will be required by waste collectors and facility operators.

Table 11.1: Estimated Packaging Waste Arisings for the North East Region 2003 and 2009

2003 2009 note 1

Packaging Waste Arisings (tonnes) 104,034 83,876

Packaging Waste Landfilled (tonnes) 64,576 32,665

Packaging Waste Recycled (tonnes) 39,458 51,211

% Recycled 38% 61% Note 1: Source: EPA Municipal Waste Composition Survey Report 2008; EPA National Waste Report 2008; Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns 2009

Table 11.2 outlines the composition factors for packaging waste in both household and commercial waste landfilled as per the 2008 EPA Municipal Waste Characterisation Survey Report 2008.


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Table 11.2: Packaging Composition of Residual Household and Commercial Waste

Packaging Material Household %

Commercial % Note 1

Paper & Cardboard 5.5 10.0

Plastic 11.1 10.2 Glass 2.9 1.7 Metals 1.7 1.1 Ferrous - Aluminium - Other metals 0 Wood 0.1 Textiles 0.1 0.1 Other 1 Total 22.4 23.1

Source: EPA Waste Characterisation Surveys 2008

Note 1: Assumptions based on data provided in EPA National Waste Report 2008 and EPA Waste Characterisation Survey data 2008

11.1 SELF COMPLIERS

The Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 provide for producers of packaging waste to either join a compliance scheme or self-comply under the Regulations. In addition, all local authorities are responsible for enforcement of the Packaging Regulations. The EPA National Waste Report 2009 show there are 20 self compliant companies in the North East Region placing 17,735 tonnes of packaging waste on the market, of which 1,790 tonnes was recovered..

Table 11.3: Packaging self compliers reported in Local Authority Areas 2008

Local Authority No. of Companies

No. of premises Quantity if packaging placed on the market (tonnes)

Packaging Recovered (tonnes)

Cavan 5 5 15,504 895

Louth 4 5 322 215

Meath 7 8 974 519

Monaghan 5 5 935 131

Total 21 23 17,735 1,790


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12 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION (C&D) WASTE

C&D waste is collected and transported by private waste collectors and contractors who have obtained a Waste Collection Permit from the relevant local authority. In 2003, it was reported that a total of 469,939 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in the North East.

In Changing Our Ways, the Government set a national target of 85% for the recovery of C&D wastes to be achieved by 2013. Progress to date has been largely achieved through the reuse of spoil waste (soil and stones) for engineering works at landfill sites and in land reclamation activities. To date the performance achieved in the prevention of waste and reuse of ‘other’ C&D waste derived materials during site development works has been limited. In October 2004, a Construction Voluntary Industry Initiative was launched requiring all industry stakeholders to commit to improved sustainable management practices on site. The requirement for Project Construction and Demolition Waste Plans to be prepared was an outcome of the initiative. National guidelines to assist contractors and developers in the preparation of the waste plans were launched in July 2006 by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government.

In 2009, an estimated total of 1,520,324 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in the Region. This figure is obtained from Waste Collection Permit AERs and estimates of the quantities collected by those collectors who had not submitted an AER.

The vast majority of C&D waste generated is due to the construction of the M3 motorway. Approximately 317,095 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in 2009 if arisings resulting from the M3 works are excluded.

The 33% reduction in the quantity of C&D waste generated is primarily attributable to the severe economic impact on the construction sector. This is evident by the fact that approximately 2,803 houses were built in the region in 2009 as opposed to 7,789 houses built in 2003.

12.1 C&D RECOVERY/ DISPOSAL

Table 12.1 provides a summary of the management of all construction and demolition wastes generated in the region in 2009. It is estimated that approximately 98% of all C&D waste was recycled and recovered.

Table 12.1: Management of Construction and Demolition Waste 2009 (tonnes)

Collected Recovery Disposal Total

EPA Licensed facilities 77,802 35,936 113,738 Local Authority Permitted Sites 1,369,612 0 1,369,612Recovery/Disposed at facilities outside the region 35,833 1,141 36,974 Total 1,483,247 37,077 1,520,324Recovery rate 97.5%

Sources: Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns 2009, Local Authority Waste Collection Permit AERs, Local Authority Waste Facility Permit AERs


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Table 12.2 provides a summary of the management of the ‘soil and stone’ fraction of construction and demolition wastes in the North East Region. The recovery rate has been estimated at 100%, which is based on the recovered tonnage expressed as a percentage of the tonnage collected.

Table 12.2: Management of ‘Soil and Stones’ 2009 (tonnes)

Collection Recovery Disposal Total

EPA Licenced landfills 35,347 0 35,347

Local Authority Permitted Sites 1,297,343 0 1,297,343

Recovery/Disposed at facilities outside the region 2,651 0 2,651

Total 1,335,341 0 1,335,341

Recovery rate 100% Sources: Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns 2009, Local Authority Waste Collection Permit AERs, Local Authority Waste Facility Permit AERs

Table 12.3 details a summary of the management of the ‘other’ fraction of construction and demolition wastes in the North East Region. The recovery rate has been estimated at 81%, the recovery rate is based on the recovered tonnage expressed as a percentage of the tonnage collected.

Table 12.3: Management of ‘Other’ Construction and Demolition Wastes 2009 (tonnes)

Collection Recovery Disposal Total

EPA Licenced landfills 42,455 35,936 78,391 Local Authority Permitted Sites 72,269 0 72,269 Recovery/Disposed at facilities outside the region 33,182 1,141 34,323 Total 149,047 35,936 184,983Recovery rate 80.6%

Source: Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns 2009

Sources: Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns 2009, Local Authority Waste Collection Permit AERs, Local Authority Waste Facility Permit AERs


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13 PRIORITY WASTE STREAMS

13.1 WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE)

Table 13.1 details the quantities of WEEE arising in the Region in 2009. This is mainly collected at recycling centres and through ERP-Ireland.

Table 13.1: WEEE in the Region (2008)

County ERP-Ireland

Cavan 354

Louth 984

Meath 953

Monaghan 197

Total 2,488

Source: EPA National Waste Report 2008

Significant progress has been made in the region since 2003 in terms of WEEE collection. Approximately 2,488 tonnes of WEEE was collected in 2008 compared to 469 tonnes in 2003. This is a direct result of the introduction of WEEE legislation in 2005 and 2008 which entitles users of such household WEEE to leave that waste back free of charge, either to retail outlets in instances where a replacement item is purchased, or other authorised collection points, including local authority civic amenity sites and prohibits distributors from requiring consumers to sign documents stating that an item of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is not available for collection, amongst others.

13.2 END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES (ELVS)

Since the adoption of the previous Plan, the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (SI 282 of 2006) have come into effect. The Regulations puts the onus for the collection and recovery of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) on the motor industry.

From January 1st 2007, owners of intact end-of-life cars or light commercial vehicle are required to deposit such vehicles at an appropriately permitted or licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). An ATF may not charge for accepting an end-of-life vehicle. When one of these vehicles is deposited at an ATF, the owner will receive a certificate of destruction.

Quantities of ELVs being generated in the Region are comprised of ELVs collected by permitted collectors and ELVs brought directly to the ATFs by the registered owners of the vehicles. Table 13.2 details the number of Authorised Treatment Facilities and the quantities of ELVs arising in the Region in 2009. The quantity of ELV’s collected in 2009 is 30% less than that reported in 2003, however 2003 data is an estimate. The quantity reported in 2009 data is thought to be more accurate due to improving reporting within the region.


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Table 13.2: ATF’S AND ELVs in the Region (2009)

Local Authority No. of Permitted ATF’s No. of Permit Applications ELV Waste (tonnes)

Cavan 7 4,350

Louth 7 1 651

Meath 8 2 2,113

Monaghan 4 316

Total 26 3 7,430

Source: EPA Local Authorities National Waste Returns 2009

13.3 TYRES

TRACS, the National Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme, established in early 2008 is a voluntary compliance scheme for tyre industry operators. It was introduced following the new Waste Management Regulations (Tyres and Waste Tyres) S.I. No. 664 of 2007 to monitor the movement of tyres and waste tyres within the industry and assist in stopping the uncontrolled movement of waste tyres. TRACS is a not for profit audited company that has been approved by the Minister as a compliance scheme.

TRACS traces the supply of tyres in Ireland from the point of import to the wholesaler to the point of retail to the waste collector. This allows the company to track the movement of tyres through the supply chain.

Another entity, Tyre Waste Management Ltd (TWM), was approved by the Minister of the Environment to act as a second compliance scheme in accordance with the Tyre Waste Regulations in December 2009. However following a Prime Time Programme on this entity in 2010, it is now considered to have ceased trading.

Table 13.3 details the quantity of waste tyres generated in the North East Region in 2009.

Table 13.3: Waste Tyres Generated in the Region (2009)

Local Authority Tyres (tonnes)

Cavan 54

Louth 290

Meath 541

Monaghan 0

Total 885

An estimated 1,619 tonnes of waste tyres were produced in the region in 2003. In 2009 this figure reduced to 885.This may be attributed to a lack of public participation as TRACS is a relatively new initative. However it should also be noted that as with the ELV’s, the 2003 quantity is an estimate


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based on national data and not regional collected data. As reporting has improved in recent years the 2009 data is a more accurate representation of the quantity of waste tyres in the region.

13.4 STREET SWEEPINGS

In 2003, the quantity of sweet sweepings generated in the North East Region was 5,237 tonnes.

As part of Producer Responsibility policies outlines in the Waste Plan, the Environmental Awareness Officers were expected to expand their role and work with the community and business groups in order to, amongst other things, discourage and reduce littering.

In 2009, the total quantity of litter and street sweepings was 4,800 tonnes which represents a 10% reduction.

13.5 MINING & QUARRY WASTE

In 2003, Tara Mines accounted for 99.5% of mining and quarrying waste generated in the North East Region. In 2009, this remains unchanged. The EPA reported 2 million tonnes of mining and quarrying waste was generated nationally in 2008. Tara mines produced between 2.6 and 2.7 million tonnes of mine tailing in 2009. Of this approximately 50% (1.3 million tonnes) was reused and therefore considered a resource. The remaining 50% (1.3 million tonnes) was sent to on-site tailing ponds/lagoons for disposal. It is estimated that the remaining industries produced approximately 19,840 tonnes of mining and quarry waste in 2009.

13.6 ASH

In 2009, there was no ash generated in the North East Region. The Scottish and Southern Energy PLC 400MW Power plant in Duleek, Co.Meath was expected to begin operations since the adoption of the previous Plan, however it only received planning permission from Meath County Council in July 2010 and so operations are yet to commence.

13.7 HEALTHCARE RISK WASTE

Healthcare Waste comprises non-risk waste and healthcare risk waste (HCRW). The former is similar to commercial waste and is collected from the relevant facilities by Local Authorities or private contractors.

HCRW, which includes potentially hazardous material, is separated at source and subject to different management controls.

HCRW from public hospitals is currently handled on an all-Ireland basis following the establishment of a Joint Waste Management Board that represents the Department of Health and Children, in the Republic of Ireland and the Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland. The JWMB awarded a contract for the management of HCRW from all of the state-funded hospitals and sources of HCRW and Clinical waste. Private hospitals employ specialised contractors to manage most waste.

The quantity of healthcare risk waste generated in the Region in 2009 is 365 tonnes3.

3 Source: Waste Collection Permit Returns


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13.8 CONTAMINATED SOILS

In 2009, approximately 3,471 tonnes of contaminated soils were generated in the North East Region. Table 12.4 summarises the management of contaminated soils in the North East Region. The majority of this waste was sent for disposal (90%). However, waste sent to Enva Ireland is typically stabilised and recovered. The recovery rate is estimated to be 10%.

Table 13.4: Management of Contaminated Soils in the Region (2009)

Local Authority Recovered Arisings (tonnes)

Cavan 0 119

Louth 0 586

Meath 363 2,766

Monaghan 0 0

Total 363 3,471

% Recovery 10% Source: EPA Local Authorities National Waste Returns 2009

13.9 AGRICULTURAL WASTE

The Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997 as amended requires the quantity of agricultural waste be reported in each Regional Waste Plan. In the North East Region, agricultural waste primarily consists of:

• Agricultural Sludges (Animal slurries/ manure)

• Spent Mushroom Compost

• Farm plastics

Table 13.5 provides a waste quantity for each of the key agricultural waste fractions. The quantity of Agricultural sludge generated in 2009 is 2% less (560,493 tonnes) than that produced in 2003 which is relatively consistent with that produced in 2003 (572,930 tonnes).

Furthermore, in 2009 over 19,000 tonnes of farm plastics were recycled nationally which is an increase of 100% on the 2003 rate.

Table 13.5: Agricultural Waste Quantities Generated in the North East (2009)

Waste Type 2003 (Tonnes Dry Solids Per Annum)

2009 (Tonnes Dry Solids Per Annum)

Agricultural Sludge 537,862 504,074

Spent Mushroom Compost 35,068 34,295

Regional Total 572,930 538,369

Source: Department of Agriculture, Central Statistics Office, Teagasc, Sludge Management Plans, North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010


MDR0783Rp0001 A01 43

13.10 SLUDGE (MUNICIPAL/INDUSTRIAL)

The Municipal and Industrial (including agricultural) Sludge arisings recorded for the North East Region in 2009 are shown in Table 12.6 and have been sourced from information from The North East Waste Management Plan 2005 -2010, the Central Statistics Office, Sludge Management Plans and Local Authorities.

North East Waste Management Plan 2005-2010 Review Report- DRAFT

MDR0783Rp0001 A01 44

Table 13.6: Non-Hazardous Sludge Arising within Each County in the North East Region 2009 (tonnes dry solids per annum)

Sludge Type Origin Co. Meath Co. Monaghan Co. Louth Co. Cavan North East

Region

Agricultural Sludge

Cattle 125,468

138,254

93,969

120,239

38,337

42,855

168,040 Note 4

202,726 504,074

Pigs 3,027 3,816 1,657 27,547

Sheep 3,426 823 1,357 732

Poultry 1,038 20,164 806 4,992

Horses 5,297 1,467 698 1,415

Municipal Sludge

WWTW 1,019

1,694

1,809 Note 1

2,143

7,330 Note 4

8,090

1,335 Note 2,4

1,400 13,327

Waste water 359 214 700 65

Septic Tanks 316 Note 3 120 60 -

Industrial Sludge 6,192 1,218 637 750 8,797

Spent Mushroom Compost 4,920 Note 4 17,902 3,598 7,875 Note 4 34,295

County Total 151,060 141,502 55,180 44,711 560,493

1 Predicted quantities on 2021 2 Includes septic tank quantities 3 unsewered rural arisings 4 2009 data supplied by Local Authorities


MDR0783Rp0001 A01 45

14 ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATION

The Waste Plan recognised the need for a co-ordinated and concerted approach to enforcement of waste legislation. In doing so a number of action areas were identified for implementation at regional level and at local authority level.

14.1 REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION

It was foreseen that the Regional Waste Steering Committee would co-ordinate the following action areas and ensure these activities are carried out by each local authority in a similar manner across the Region.

- Update and control waste collection permitting system to facilitate Plan objectives - Increase regulation and enforcement, (pollution, producers, collection) - Co-ordinate regulation and enforcement measures with EPA and ensure consistency on a

regional level

14.2 LOCAL AUTHORITY IMPLEMENTATION

- Investigation of disposal sites and potentially hazardous waste disposal sites - Ensure preparation of C & D Waste Plans by Developers at Planning Stage - Improve reporting and data collection - Regulation and enforcement of the following:

o Waste collection, treatment and recycling carried out by the Private Sector o Waste collection permits and permit holders

- Fulfil responsibility under the Waste Management Act regarding waste

The Waste Plan stated it was imperative that each local authority allocate the resources necessary to carry out these tasks effectively.

In addition to the above, the local authorities were also required to participate in a National Enforcement Network. This required participation in the following tasks:

• the nomination of Local Authority Staff to the various working groups,

• active participation in the various Enforcement Network working groups and networks,

• the sharing of information relevant to the work of the Enforcement Network,

• the attendance at training events organised by the Enforcement Network,

• the utilisation of staff in the co-ordinated enforcement of waste issues affecting this region,

• the participation in any form established regarding cross border cooperation.

• Implementation of the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for minimum criteria for environmental inspections in Member States (RMCEI) in accordance with Best Practice Guidance Documents


MDR0783Rp0001 A01 46

14.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS

14.3.1 Local Authority Enforcement Teams

There has been varying levels of progress throughout the region since 2005 in terms of developing enforcement teams with in each local authority. In Monaghan County Council waste enforcement has weakened due to lack of resources, primarily due to staff resignations, the public service recruitment freeze coupled with a significant increase in the volume of new environmental legislation. Cavan County Council are not experiencing such problems however they are finding it increasing difficult to remain on top of the work load given recent developments in the area of environmental and waste management legislation in recent years, while Louth County Council have introduced a Performance Management Development Scheme (PMDS) for their enforcement team which encompasses the following:

• Corporate Plan, • Operational Plan, • Team Development Plan • Personal Development plans.

14.3.2 Regulation and Enforcement

Prior to 2005, waste enforcement actions primarily focused on informing companies of their obligations under the legislation with particular reference to Packaging requirements. However in accordance with the above policy objectives and given the significant legislative developments in recent years, Local Authority enforcement teams are involved in a wide range of activities such as the following:

• Investigating illegal waste disposal sites. • Investigating illegal waste operators. • Preparation of warning letters and statutory notices • Involvement in legal proceedings • Waste/litter complaints. • Enforcement of permitted sites • Enforcement of Authorised Treatment Facilities. • Waste Collection Permit Inspections. • Vehicle checkpoints. • Packaging regulation Enforcement • Tyre regulation enforcement • WEEE regulations • Extractive Industries regulations • Old landfill assessments. • Liaison with agencies including the Garda, EPA and other State Agencies. • The carrying out of ‘non-routine’ or ‘unplanned’ Environmental Inspections • The carrying out of ‘routine’ or ‘planned’ Environmental Inspections


MDR0783Rp0001 A01 47

Environmental Inspections are carried out in accordance with best practice and the RMCEI.

The Enforcement Section also deals with enforcement associated with the Litter Pollution Act. This activity results in the issuing of litter fines and notices on a regular basis as well as legal proceedings being initiated. Other important work carried out in relation to litter management includes;

• Liaising with community groups, residents committees & tidy town groups • Liaising with businesses & schools for Adapt a Road Initiative • Undertaking Litter League Surveys • Litter Pollution Surveys for DoEHLG • Giving Anti Litter Presentations in schools • Working with Gum Litter Task Force • Organising Litter Clean-ups • Carrying out routine Litter Patrols • Maintenance of County Bottle Banks • Operation & Maintenance of Recycling Centres

14.3.3 National Enforcement Network and Training

Staff continually participate in the EPA Environmental Enforcement Network seminars to remain informed of developments in the Waste Enforcement area.

Furthermore, Enforcement Staff are encouraged to participate in a number of specific training courses to develop their competencies in dealing with site inspections associated with unauthorised waste activities and permitted waste facilities and training has also been provided in relation to the legal aspects of Waste Enforcement. To this end, training has been undertaken by the staff in the following areas;

• Environmental Inspection Skills Training • Courtroom Skills Training • Waste Enforcement Training

Staff have also been encouraged to attend various Environmental Law Lectures as they arise around the country so as to be kept informed of changes in law of relevance to their various work areas.

Required Non Routine Environmental Inspections

o Waste Facility Permit and Cert of Registration Applications

o Waste Collection Permit Checkpoints o Environmental Enforcement Network inspections o Development Site and C&D Waste Management

Plan Inspections o Household Waste Surveys

Required Routine Environmental Inspections

o Farm Plastics Regs, 2001 o Collection Permit Regs, 2007 (as amended) o Facility Permit and Registration Regs, 2007 (as

amended) o Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regs

2005 (as amended) o End-of-Life Vehicles Regs, 2006 o Tyres and Waste Tyres Regs, 2007 o (Packaging Regs, 2007 o Environmental Levy (Plastic Bag) Regs, 2001

(as amended) o Batteries and Accumulators Regs, 2008 (as

amended) o Certification of Historic Unlicenced Waste

Disposal and Recovery Activity Regs, 2008. o Hazardous Waste Regs, 1998 o Movement of Hazardous Waste Regs, 1998 o Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning Regs,

2009 o Food Waste Regs, 2009 o Management of Waste from the Extractive

Industries Regs, 2009


MDR0783Rp0001 A01 48

14.3.4 Reporting and Data Collection

Local Authorities in the North East are placing significant emphasis on data collection and improved reporting by the waste sector. In particular emphasis has been placed on improving the level and quality of data from waste collectors and waste facility operators through the provision of the Annual Environmental Reporting (AER) system. A focus is also being placed on ensuring AER’s are submitted on time. Where, no AER’s are received or where the quality of the submissions are poor, then various enforcement measures are undertaken to achieve what is required.

The reporting of C&D waste has also remained problematic in recent years and as a result it is difficult to accurately estimate the quantity of C&D waste generated, recovered and disposed of in the region. This is particularly evident where sites are permitted to accept soil and stone for land development/improvement purposes. In an effort to overcome this uncertainty, efforts have intensified in recent years to improve the reporting of waste inputs to these sites and again various enforcement actions are taken with respect to non-receipt of relevant data.

Furthermore, Local Authorities in the North East Region part take in annual workshops organised by the EPA to assist Local Authority staff in compiling statistics to facilitate National Waste Reporting requirements. In more recent years, waste management staff are reminded of the importance of the requirement to obtain accurate waste data for the purposes of National Waste Reporting but also for internal reporting requirements. To this end, all inspections associated with Waste Permitted facilities encompass paperwork audits with a particular focus on assessing the procedures in place at permitted sites to record relevant waste data. Inspection reports are issued after these audits to highlight any non-compliances associated with permit conditions relating to waste data collation and reporting. Various enforcement actions are initiated as a result of the inspection process where relevant so that any lapses in waste data collection and reporting are addressed before further inspections and audits are carried out.

In addition to the above, Cavan and Monaghan County Council undertake a quarterly review of waste enforcement statists and activity levels. To aid in this process, a Waste Enforcement Activities file is maintained which records all activities associated with waste enforcement on an ongoing basis. Following on from this process a bi-annual and annual review of statistics is reported to Senior Management and the EPA.

Finally, through the EPA National Waste Report Returns Auditing Process, Waste Management staff learn and improve on the reporting process year on year as a result of these in-depth audits.

14.3.5 C&D Waste Enforcement

Local authorities in the Region ensure C&D Waste Plans are prepared by developers by means of planning permission conditioning.

C&D Waste Plans are generally required for the following developments and are requested prior to the commencement of a proposed development:

• 10 houses or more • Developments in excess of 1,250m2 • Demolition/renovation/refurbishment projects in excess of

100m3 in volume of C&D waste. • Civil Engineering Projects producing in excess of 500m3 of

waste excl waste materials used on site.


MDR0783Rp0001 A01 49

14.4 ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS GOING FORWARD

14.4.1 Staff

Since 2003 there has been a significant increase in the amount of environmental and waste management legislation whilst environmental/waste teams have not expanded. This has resulted in staff having to prioritise certain aspects of the works over others which will even worsen given the introduction of further legislative requirements such as the introduction of Extractive Industries legislation and food waste regulations which will undoubtedly place added pressure on enforcement staff.

Every effort should be made at national and senior management level to co-ordinate and consolidate co-ordination groups in an efficient manner as possible. This will assist in reducing the strain on local authority resources.

14.4.2 Dumping & Fly Tipping

An issue in all counties is the increasing trend in large scale dumping and fly tipping that has been observed in recent years. In addition it is becoming apparent that fly tippers are becoming savvier to fines issued by the Local Authorities through evidence found within the tipped waste. As a result tippers are now removing incriminating evidence prior to dumping.

Local Authorities should continue to liaise with the EPA and DoEHLG in relation to such practices and remain informed on developments in relation to counteracting such practices.

14.4.3 Un-Authorised Waste Operators

Staff safety is a concern in areas where unauthorised waste operators have alleged paramilitary connections. Under the provisions of Section 14 of the Waste Management Acts, further involvement from the Gardai is required to deal with such cases.


MDR0783Rp0001 50 A01

15 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

15.1 HEADLINE AND SERVICE INDICATORS

Key Performance Indicators are a useful tool for benchmarking the waste management performance of the Region and comparing progress with other regions. The Waste Plan identifies a number of headline indicators for monitoring the overall success of Plan implementation. Each Local Authority prepares an annual return to the EPA for compilation of the National Waste Database.

The following table identifies the headline indicators adopted for the North East Region, performance in 2003, performance in 2009 and the target performance for 2013.

Table 15.1: Headline Indicator Targets for the Region and Current Performance

Headline Indicator 2003 Performance

2009 Performance Target

1 Household waste generated per household 1.46 tonnes per HH

1.12 tonnes per HH

1.5 tonnes per HH

2 Municipal Waste Recycling rate 23% 36% 43% by 2013

3 Energy Recovery Rate 0% 0% 39% by 2013

4 Biodegradable waste landfilled 54% 60% 24% of BMW

produced in 2009 to landfill*

5 % C&D waste recycled 20.6%** 97.5% 85% by 2013

6 % packaging waste recycled 38% 61% 55% by 2011

7 Kg of WEEE collected for recycling per capita 1.5 kg 5.9kg 4 kg by 2006

8 Kg of household hazardous recycled (per household) 5.2kg 2.2kg* 0.75 by 2005

**Most of the remainder is recovered under permit

The Waste Plan specifies a number of service indicators should also be used in combination with the headline indicators to measure regional performance. Table 15.2 identifies the service indicators, performance in 2003 and performance in 2009.

Table 15.2: Service indicators and Current Performance

Service Indicator 2003 2009

1 % of households provided with segregated waste collection 59% Note 1 82%

2 % of household Waste Recycled 16% 33%

3 % of household waste Landfilled 84% 53%

Recycling Facilities:

4 No. of Bring Banks per 5,000 population 1.3 1.7

5 No. of Recycling Centres per 5,000 population 0.10 0.13

6 Quantity of waste collected for recycling per 5,000 population 237tonnes 314tonnes

Note 1: 66% of households has a collection service and 90% of these had a separate collection service.


MDR0783Rp0001 51 A01

15.2 PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION

Headline Indicator 2003 2009 Target

Household waste generated per household (tonnes/annum) 1.46 1.15 1.5 tonnes per HH

Household Waste Generated Per Household

1

1.05

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.55

2003 2009

Tonn

es p

er H

ouse

hold

Target - Not to beexceeded

HHW per household

Figure 15.1: Household Waste Generated per Capita

15.3 RECYCLING OF MUNICIPAL WASTE


Municipal Waste Recycling rate 23% 36% 43% by 2013

Municipal Waste Recycling rate

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

2003 2009 Target by 2013

Figure 15.2: Municipal Waste Recycling Rate


MDR0783Rp0001 52 A01

15.4 RECOVERY OF ENERGY FROM WASTE

It remains the policy of the North East Region to allow development of a Waste-to-Energy facility in Carranstown, Co. Meath for the long-term treatment of residual municipal waste arisings. Construction of the new facility has commenced and the facility is due to be operational by mid 2011.

The Waste Management Plan as set targets for energy recovery waste of 39%.

Headline Indicator 2003 2009 Target by 2013

Energy Recovery rate 0% 0% 39%

15.5 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE


% C&D Recovered 20.6% 96% 85%

Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

2003 2009 Target 2013

Figure 15.3: C&D Recovery Rate


MDR0783Rp0001 53 A01

15.6 PACKAGING WASTE


Packaging Waste recycled 38% 61% 55%

Packaging Waste

38%

61%

55%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

2003

2009

Target by 2011

Figure 15.4: Packaging Waste Recycling Rate

15.7 WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC WASTE


Kg (household) WEEE Collected for Recycling per capita 1.5 kg 5.9 kg 4 kg

Kg (household) WEEE Collected for Recycling per capita

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

2003 2009 Target by 2006 4Kg

Kg

per c

apita

Figure 15.5: WEEE Collected (kg) for Recycling per Capita


MDR0783Rp0001 54 A01

15.8 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE


Kg of household hazardous recycled (per household) Not Available 2.2 0.75

Kg of household hazardous recycled (per household)

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

2003 2009 Target by 2005

Figure 15.6: Kg of household hazardous recycled (per household)

15.9 LANDFILL DISPOSAL


% Regional Municipal Waste Landfilled 51% 57% 18% by 2015

Municipal Waste Landfilled in the Region (tonnes)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

2003 2009 Target by 2015

Figure 15.7: % Regional Municipal Waste Landfilled


MDR0783Rp0001 55 A01


Biodegradable Waste Landfilled 54% 60% 24% of BMW produced in 2009 to landfill

Biodegradable Waste Landfilled (tonnes)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

2003 2009 Target by 2009

Figure 15.8: Regional Biodegradable Municipal Waste Landfilled


MDR0783Rp0001 56 A01

PART II

Infrastructural Developments


MDR0783Rp0001 57 A01

16 INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS - OVERVIEW

The Waste Plan includes policy objectives and targets for the provision of an integrated waste management infrastructure to allow the region become self sufficient in terms of waste management and treat waste in accordance with EU and National waste legislation and policy.

Table 16.1 identifies recommended waste infrastructural developments for the region as outlined in the Waste Plan, the status of developments in 2003, progress made since 2003 and planned developments going forward.

Map 16.1 and Map 16.2 indicate the locations of EPA Waste Licenced facilities and Local Authority Permitted facilities in the North East Region.

Table 16.1: Waste Infrastructural Developments Proposed Facility Envisaged in Plan Status (2003) Current Status (2009)

Bring Bank Expansion

1 Bank per 500 households by 2015

1 Bring Bank per 1,212 households

1 Bring Bank per 919 households

Waste Recycling Centres 10 7 in place (4 in planning)

11 Recycling Centres/ Civic Amenities and 17 permitted Recycling Facilities.

Kerbside Collection Urban areas with more than 500 households (28% of Region)

48% of households have a Kerbside Collection

82% of the households in the region are now provided with a separate collection service for household waste

Biowaste Collection Waste collectors to roll out brown bin collection service by 2008

No developments 10% of households have a brown bin collection service

Materials Recovery Facility

2 required to accommodate increased quantities of source segregated waste.

A number (5) of smaller scale facilities in operation. Further facilities being developed by the private sector.

4 licensed MRF’s.

Transfer station 4

3 Licensed and several Permitted Waste Transfer facilities/ Material Recycling Facilities (MRF)

10 transfer stations

Green Waste Composting

2-3 permitted facilities with a capacity up to 10,000 tpa

No regional facilities, 2 permitted private sector facilities taking green waste.

2 permitted private sector facilities dedicated to green waste with a combined capacity of 10,000 tpa.

Biological Treatment Plant

1 facility with a minimum capacity of 30,000tpa to be developed in parallel with the roll out of the brown bin

No regional facility for biowaste from households or commerce

4 biowaste treatment facilities with an authorisd treatment capacity of 75,800-80,800tpa.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Recycling Facility

2 by 2009 6 facilities accept C&D waste for recycling (3 permitted and 3 licensed)

12 facilities accept C&D waste for recycling and recovert (6 licensed and 6 permitted)

Thermal Treatment Plant 1 At advanced planning

At construction stage. Due to be operational in mid 2011.

Landfill 1 Regional facility 3 municipal landfills in operation and 1 Private Sector facility in planning.

4 municipal landfills and 1 C&D landfill operational

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16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

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File Ref.

Approved by: DW

Map 1

Notes

Project No.

ProjectTitle

Drawn by:

Checked by:

Scale:

Date:

Figure

North East Waste Management PlanNorth East Region - Waste Licensed Facilities

EL

DW

NTS

22/10/2010

MDR0783

Drawing No. Rev.

Mi0001 D03

MDR0783Mi0001D03

1. This drawing is the property of RPS Group Ltd. It is a confidential document and must not be copied, used, or its contents divulged without prior written consent.2. All levels are referred to Ordnance Datum, Malin Head.3. Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence EN 0005010 ©Copyright Government of Ireland.

+353 (0)1 2884499+353 (0)1 2835676rpsgroup.com/[email protected]

West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire,Co. DublinIreland

TFWE

ClientLEGEND

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 Compost Facility

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Dredging Facility

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCIntegrated Waste Management Facility

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Materials Recovery Facility

........................................................................................................................................................................................................ Waste Transfer Station

Issue Details

Data Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2009.

ID INDUSTRY NAME LOCATION COUNTY REG No. INDUSTRY TYPE

1 Belturbet Landfill Rahaghan, Belturbet Cavan W0092-01 Landfill

2 Corranure Landfill Lismagratty & Corranure Townlands, Cootehill Road, Cavan Cavan W0077-02 Landfill

3 Cavan Waste Disposal Ltd Killygarry Industrial Park, Killygarry Cavan W0207-01 Waste Transfer Station

4 Ballyjamesduff Landfill (Closed) Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff Cavan W0093-01 Landfill

5 Bailieborough Landfill (Closed) Tanderagee, Bailieborough Cavan W0091-01 Landfill

6 Marley Compost Ltd Crush, Carrickroe Monaghan W0118-01 Compost Facility

7 Kabeyun Ltd Gibralter, Castleshane Monaghan W0121-01 Compost Facility

8 Scotch Corner Landfill; MRF & Civic Amenity Letterbane, Annyalla, Castleblaney Monaghan W0020-01 Integrated Waste Management Facility

9 Dundalk Landfill & Civic Waste Facility Newry Road, Dundalk Louth W0034-02 Integrated Waste Management Facility

10 Sean Rooney Ltd trading as Bambi Bins & Wheel Bin Services Limited Coes Road, Dundalk Louth W0144-01 Waste Transfer Station

11 Whiteriver Landfill Site Whiteriver & Gunstown Townland, Dunleer Louth W0060-02 Landfill

12 Drogheda Landfill (Closed) Collon Road, Mell, Drogheda Louth W0033-01 Landfill

13 Kilmainhamwood Compost Ballynalurgan, Kilmainhamwood, Kells Meath W0195-01 Compost Facility

14 Organic Gold (Marketing) Ltd. Wilkinstown, Navan Meath W0219-01 Compost Facility

15 Midland Waste Disposal Company Limited Clonmagaddan, Proudstown, Navan Meath W0131-02 Waste Transfer Station & Compost Facility

16 Nurendale Limited trading as Panda Waste Services Limited Rathdrinagh, Beauparc, Navan Meath W0140-03 Integrated Waste Management Facility

17 Knockharley Landfill Knockharley, Navan Meath W0146-01 Landfill

18 Indaver Ireland Waste Management Facility, Carranstown, Duleek Meath W0167-01 Integrated Waste Management Facility

19 Stagrennan Polder Marsh Road Stagrennan, Drogheda Meath W0052-01 Dredging Facility

20 Murphy Concrete Manufacturing Ltd Sarsfieldtown, Gormanstown Meath W0151-01 Landfill

21 Basketstown Landfill Facility (Closed) Basketstown, Summerhill Meath W0010-02 Landfill

22 Padraig Thornton Waste Disposal Ltd Dunboyne Industrial Estate, Dunboyne Meath W0206-01 Materials Recovery Facility

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File Ref.

Approved by: DW

Map 2

Notes

Project No.

ProjectTitle

Drawn by:

Checked by:

Scale:

Date:

Figure

North East Waste Management PlanNorth East Region -

Waste Permitted FacilitiesAugust 2010

EL

DW

NTS

22/10/2010

MDR0783

Drawing No. Rev.

Mi0002 D03

MDR0783Mi0002D03

1. This drawing is the property of RPS Group Ltd. It is a confidential document and must not be copied, used, or its contents divulged without prior written consent.2. All levels are referred to Ordnance Datum, Malin Head.3. Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence EN 0005010 ©Copyright Government of Ireland.

+353 (0)1 2884499+353 (0)1 2835676rpsgroup.com/[email protected]

West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire,Co. DublinIreland

TFWE

ClientLEGEND

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 Compost Facility

Authorised Treatment Facilities

33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 C &D Recycling Facility

................................................. Waste Transfer Station

Issue Details

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 Waste Recycling Facility

22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222 Waste Material Recovery

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wood/Timber

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Storage Facility

Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.Note: Waste Facility Location is approximate only.

ID FACILITY NAME LOCATION COUNTY PERMIT No. FACILITY TYPE

1 B McElroy T/A Ace Skips Cortial TD, Kilcurly, Dundalk Louth WP 2007/018 Waste Transfer Station

2 Farrell Bros (Ardee) Ltd Farrell Bros (Ardee) Ltd, John St, Ardee Louth WP 2007/019 Wood/Timber

3 The Recycling Village Ltd Unit 4/4A & 7 Tinure Business Park, Tinure, Monasterboice Louth WP 2007/020 Waste Recycling Facilities

4 One Complete Solution Ltd Unit 4 John Street, Ardee Louth WP2008/001 Storage Facility

5 R Tumulty Dungoooly TD, Kilcurry, Dundalk Louth WP2008/002 Authorised Treatment Facilities

6 Oriel Auto Specialists Ltd Unit 1, Coes Road Industrial Estate, Dundalk Louth WP2008/005 Authorised Treatment Facilities

7 Lenviron Ltd T/A Leinster Environmentals Clermont Business Park, Haggardstown, Dundalk Louth WP2006/022 Authorised Treatment Facilities

8 Kilsaran Concrete Gallstown Quarry, Gallstown, Grangebellew Louth WFP-LH-08 0001-01 C&D Recycling facilities

9 Gotvista Ltd T/A Orange Skip Hire Unit 10, East Coast Business Park, Matthews Lane, Drogheda Louth WFP-LH-08-0002-01 Waste Transfer Station

10 Martin Duffy 2 Castletown Cross, Dundalk Louth WFP-LH-09-0003-01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

11 Ecological Waste Management Ltd Clermont Business Park, Haggardstown, Dundalk Louth WFP-LH-09-0004-01 Waste Transfer Station

12 R Tumulty Dungoooly TD, Kilcurry, Dundalk Louth WP2008/002 Authorised Treatment Facilities

13 Michael Taffe T/A Taaffe Recycling Contractors Anaglog TD, Ardee Louth WFP-LH-10-0001-01 Storage Facility

14 Express Mini Mix & Skip Hire Ltd Hoathstown TD, Ardee Louth WFP-LH-10-0002-01 Waste Transfer Station

15 Gary Myles Unit 2, Collon Business Park, Ballyboni, Collon Louth WFP-LH-10-0003-01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

16 Fiodav Ltd T/A Cassidy Car Parts Grangebellew, Drogheda Louth WFP-LH-10-0004-01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

17 Crumb Rubber Ireland Ltd Mooretown TD, Dromiskin, Dundalk Louth WFP-LH-10-0005-01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

18 John & Mark McShane T/A Ardee Car Parts Golf Links Road, Ardee Louth WFP-LH-10-0008-01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

19 Lenviron Ltd T/A Leinster Environmentals Clermont Business Park, Haggardstown, Dundalk Louth WP2008/006 Waste Transfer Station

20 Ken Atkinson (aka Atkinson Car Dismantlers) Carrigans, Emyvale Monaghan (WP40-6) Authorised Treatment Facilities

21 Eugene Conlon Sragh, Ballybay. Monaghan (WP38-6) Authorised Treatment Facilities

22 Vitalija Kamawiauskiewe 121 Mullaghmatt, Monaghan Monaghan (WP10-7) Waste Recycling Facilities

23 McElvaney Motors Dublin Road, Monaghan Monaghan (WP19-7) Authorised Treatment Facilities

24 Scanbitz Ltd Scanbitz Ltd, Lisnalee, Scotshouse, Clones Monaghan (WP30-7) Authorised Treatment Facilities

25 JMP Recycling Glenbeg, Carrickroe, Emyvale Monaghan (WP31-7) Waste Recycling Facilities

26 Shabra Castleblayney Monaghan (WFP-MN-08-0022-01) Waste Recycling Facilities

27 Pauline Strain Clooney, Clones Monaghan (WFP-MN-08-0025-01) Composting Facility

28 Global Textiles Clonagore, Clones Monaghan (WFP-MN-009-001) Waste Recycling Facilities

29 Glaslough Peat Annacatty, Glaslough Monaghan (WP44-2) Composting Facility

30 Retech Processing Cavan Rd, Cootehill Cavan WFP-CN-10-0004-01 Waste Recycling Facilities

31 Rodney Wilton Kiffa, Crosserlough Cavan WFP-CN-10-0005-01 Waste Recycling Facilities

32 Felix Gormley aka used metal disposals ltd Monery, Crossdoney Cavan New Application received Waste Recycling Facilities

33 Martin Cahill Crosserule, Ballyjamesduff Cavan W.P 08-07 Authorised Treatment Facilities

34 Eurobreakers Ballytrust, Kilcogy Cavan Future/Pending Authorised Treatment Facilities

35 F.R.S Network Ballyjamesduff Cavan COR-CN-09-0001-01 Storage Facility

36 Nedd Dismantlers Ned, Doogarry Cavan W.P 07-21 Authorised Treatment Facilities

37 Victor Fagan Crumlin, Carrickaboy Cavan W.P 07-20 Authorised Treatment Facilities

38 Cavan Car Parts Crimlin, Carrickaboy Cavan W.P. 07/20 Authorised Treatment Facilities

39 Used Metal Disposals Ltd. Monery, Crossdoney Cavan W.P. 07/15 Authorised Treatment Facilities

40 Wilton Waste Recycling Ltd. Kiffa, Crosserlough Cavan W.P. 06/30B Authorised Treatment Facilities

41 Pallet Supplies Mountain Lodge, Cootehill Cavan WFP-CN-10-0003-01 Waste Recycling Facilities

42 Oristown Motors Oristown, Kells Meath WMP 2005/21 Authorised Treatment Facilities

43 BS Parts Boolies Little, Duleek Meath WMP 2005/38 Authorised Treatment Facilities

44 Maynooth Car Dismantlers Killenney, Maynooth Meath WMP 2005/59 Authorised Treatment Facilities

45 Cloughertown United F.C. Hammondstown, Clonalvy Meath WMP 2006/07 Waste Recycling Facilities

46 Nicro Metals Ltd Balnagon Upper Carnaross Kells Meath WMP 2006/62 Waste Recycling Facilities

47 Rabbitte Catering Ireland Ltd Mabestown The Ward Dublin11 Meath WMP 2008/13 Waste Recycling Facilities

48 Slane Farm Oils Harlinstown, Slane Meath WFP-MH-10-0005-01 Waste Recycling Facilities

49 McKenna Wastepaper Recycling Ltd East Commons, Drogheda Rd, Duleek Meath WFP-MH-10-0011-01 Waste Recycling Facilities

50 Iron Mountain Ireland Ltd Unit 1d, 2a & 2b Summerhill, Ent Ctre, Summerhill Meath WFP-MH-10-0012-01 Waste Recycling Facilities

51 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd Cruicetown Stackallen Slane Meath WMP 2007/39 C&D Recycling Facilities

52 Sean Mahon T/a Mahons Waste Unit 16 Oaktree Business Pk Dunderry Rd Trim Meath WFP-MH-08-0002-01 Waste Transfer Station

53 OMD Waste Recycling Ltd Ballynaskea, Rathcore, Enfield Meath WFP/MH/09/0008/01 C&D Recycling Facilities

54 Largo Foods Kilbrew, Ashbourne Meath COR/MH/08/0002/01 Waste Material Recovery

55 Irish Metal Refineries Ltd. Unit 2 Duleek Bus. Pk, Duleek Meath WFP/MH/09/0003/01 Storage Facility

56 Ernie Lynch T/a Tarstone Macadam Kingstown & Carnuff Great, Haystown & Carnuff Little Navan Meath WFP-MH-08-0008-01 Storage Facility

57 Redeem Plc T/a Recycle Appeal and Money4URMobile Unit 19 Ashbourne Industrial Estate, Ashbourne Meath WFP/MH/09/0004/01 Storage Facility

58 John Conaty Ballynagon Lower, Carnaross Meath WFP/MH/09/0009/01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

59 Oristown Auto Recyclers Ltd Oristown, Kells Meath WFP-MH-10-0001-01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

60 T.D.Caldwell & Sons Ltd Ballinlough, Kells Meath WFP-MH-10-0002-01 Authorised Treatment Facilities

61 Peter Joseph Barry Larch Hill Stud Kilcock Meath WFP-MH-08-0001-01 Composting Facility

62 Roadstone Provinces Mullaghchrone, Donore Meath WMP 2006/19 C&D Recycling Facilities

63 Roadstone (Dublin) Ltd Breemount, Trim Meath WMP 2007/64 C&D Recycling Facilities

64 CEMEX (ROI) Ltd Trommon, Rathmolyon Meath WMP 2007/73 C&D Recycling Facilities

65 TD Caldwell Unit 15, Mullaghboy Industrial Estate, Athboy Rd, Navan Meath WMP 2006/38 Authorised Treatment Facilities


MDR0783Rp0001 58 A01

17 WASTE RECYCLING AND RECOVERY FACILICITIES

17.1 BRING BANKS

In 2003 there was 1 bring bank per 1,212 households. In 2009 the number of bring banks had increased to 1 per 919 households. Further progress is required to achieve the targeted density of 1 bring bank per 500 households. Further detail is provided in Section 3 of this Review Report.

17.2 WASTE RECYCLING CENTRES AND PERMITTED RECYCLING FACILITIES

In 2003 there were 7 Recycling Centres in place and 4 at various stages of planning. In 2009 there were 11 Recycling Centres in place and one further facility proposed subject to government funding. In addition to this there were 17 private sector permitted recycling facilities in the North East. The Waste Plan identified the requirement for 10 centres in total by 2015. The Further detail is provided in Section 3 of this Review Report.

17.3 KERBSIDE AND BIOWASTE COLLECTION

The level of households provided with a kerbside collection system increased from 48% in 2003 to 82% in 2009. This is above the Waste Plan target of 28% of the region.

The level of occupied households provided with a 3-bin source segregated kerbside collection system increased form 0% in 2003 to 10% in 2009. Further progress is required in relation to the roll out of this service.

17.4 MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF’S) AND TRANSFER FACILITIES

In 2003 the North East Region was served by 4 privately operated MRF’s and 4 transfer stations. In 2009, the number of MRF’s remained at 4 and the number of transfer stations increased to 10. All are privately operated. This is above the target of the Waste Plan.

Table 17.1: Material Recovery Facilities and Waste transfer Stations (2009) Transfer Stations Materials Recovery Facilities

B McElroy T/A Ace Skips V&W Recycling Drogheda (Louth)

Lenviron Ltd T/A Leinster Environmental V&W Recycling Dundalk (Louth)

Gotvista Ltd T/A Orange Skip Hire McElvaney Waste Scotch Corner (Monaghan)

Ecological Waste Management Ltd Thornton’s Recycling (Meath)

Express Mini Mix & Skip Hire Ltd

Sean Mahon T/a Mahons Waste

Cavan Waste Disposal Ltd

Sean Rooney trading as Bambi Bins & Wheel bin Services ltd

Midland Waste Disposal Company Limited

Panda Waste Services Note 1

Note 1: Listed as an Integrated Waste Management Facility containing a transfer station amongst other activities


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17.5 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE RECYCLING FACILITIES

The Waste Plan envisaged 2 C&D recycling facilities were required to service the region by 2009. In 2003, there were 6 facilities (3 permitted and 3 licenced) accepting C&D material for recycling. In 2009, the number of facilities authorised to accept C&D waste material for recycling and recovery increased to 12 (6 permitted facilities and 6 licenced facilities). It should be noted that the licenced MRF’s, licensed transfer station and Integrated Waste Management Facilities identified in Table 17.2 separate the C&D waste streams for recovery.

Table 17.2: C&D Recycling/Recovery Facilities

C&D Recycling/Recovery Facilities

Permitted Facilities: Licenced Facilities:

Kilsaran Concrete V&W Recycling (Dundalk)

Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd Panda Waste Services Ltd (Navan)

OMD Waste Recycling Ltd Midland Waste (Navan)

Roadstone Provinces Thorntons Waste Disposal Ltd (Dunboyne)

Roadstone (Dublin) Ltd. Oxigen Environmental (Dundalk)

CEMEX Ltd Cavan Waste Disposal (Cavan)


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18 BIOLOGIAL TREATMENT/ORGANIC WASTE

The Waste Plan prioritises the development of biological treatment of separately collected organic waste produced by households and industry. Biological treatment capacity is an essential requirement if the Region is to meet the recycling targets of the Waste Plan and both EU and national landfill diversion targets for biodegradable waste.

The Waste Plan identified the requirement to develop bio-waste treatment facilities in the region with a minimum capacity of 30,000 tonnes to treat source separated organic waste from households, business and industry. It also identified the requirement to develop green waste composting facilities for the treatment of garden and landscaping waste with a combined capacity up to 10,000 tonnes/annum.

The Waste Plan also recognises the private sector as a critical player in the development of necessary biological treatment facilities.

18.1 GREEN WASTE TREATMENT CAPACITY

In 2003 there were two permitted green waste composting facilities. In 2009 there remains to be only 2 dedicated green waste composting facilities in the region (Enrich and V&W Recycling) with a combined authorised capacity of 10,000 tonnes. However it should also be noted that there are other biological treatment facilities which accept green waste as a component of materials accepted for biological treatment.

In addition, good progress has been made in terms of Recycling Centres accepting green waste from members of the public. In 2009, 8 of the 11 Recycling Centres were accepting this material.

18.2 BIOWASTE TREATMENT CAPACITY

In 2003 there was no regional biological treatment facility however in 2009, 4 biological treatment facilities (AES4, Thornton’s, Panda Waste and Organic Gold) were operational with a combined licensed capacity5 of 75,800 – 80,800 tonnes per annum.

18.3 OTHER BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT CAPACITY

In addition to the biological facilities primarily treating green waste and household/ commercial organic wastes in 2009 there were also 3 mushroom composting facilities with a combined capacity6 of 25,600 tonnes in the North East Region.

Pauline Strain Composting amongst many of the aforementioned biological facilities is authorised to accept 10,000 tonnes of sludge for treatment per annum.

Furthermore Carrollstown Estate Ltd. and Scotch Corner landfill are authorised to accept 5,000 tonnes and 2,000 tonnes of organic material for composting per annum.

4 t/a Midland waste Disposal 5 Source: EPA Facility Waste Licences 6 Souce: EPA Facility Waste Licences; Local Authority Facility Permits and Waste Facility AER’s 2009


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Table 18.2: Mushroom Composting Facilities (2009)

Mushroom Composting Facilities

Marley compost Ltd;

Kabeyun Ltd-Monaghan Mushrooms;

Terralift Ireland Ltd;

Table 18.3 provides a summary of biological treatment Infrastructure in the region in 2009.

Table 18.3: Biological treatment Infrastructure Summary 2009

Facility Status (2009)

Waste Recycling Centres 11 in place, 8 sites accepting Green Waste.

Green Waste Composting 2 dedicated green waste treatment capacity.

Biological Treatment Plant 4 household and commercial biowaste treatment facilities

Mushroom Composting Facilities 2 Licensed, 1 Permitted. Sludge Treatment Facilities 2 Licensed, 1 Permitted

Source: EPA Local Authority Questionnaires 2009, EPA Waste Licences and Local Authority Facility Permits


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19 ENERGY RECOVERY

The Waste Plan identifies the requirement to develop Thermal Treatment facilities with a capacity of 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes per annum by 2007. In 2005 Indaver Ltd were already well advanced in meeting this objective. The EPA granted a Waste Licence for the operation of a 150,000tpa thermal treatment facility at Carranstown in County Meath, and the private develop was at an advanced planning stage.

This facility was subsequently granted planning permission ((PL 17.126307) by An Bord Pleanala in 2007. Revised planning permission was subsequently granted by Meath County Council in 2009 in relation to amendments to the design of the facility. The EPA waste licence is currently under review to primarily increase the capacity to 200,000 tonnes per annum.

As it stands in 2010, the Meath Waste-to-Energy Facility is currently under construction with acceptance of residual waste planned for mid 2011.

It should also be recognised in recent years the cement industry has expressed significant interest in the acceptance and use of alternative fuels as a substitute to the use of petcoke (primary fuel).

Lagan cement located in Kinnegad, Co.Meath has the necessary statutory consents to accept 95,000 tonnes of alternative fuel such as Meat and Bone Meat; household, commercial and industrial wastes. The facility accepted 60,000 tonnes of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) material from outside the Region in 2009.

Irish Cement - Platin located in Duleek, Co.Meath also has the necessary statutory consents to accept 120,000 tonnes of alternatives fuels such as SRF, Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) and waste tyres. The facility started accepting SRF in 2010.


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20 WASTE DISPOSAL

The number of landfill facilities in operation in the Region has steadily decreased since the preparation of the first Waste Plan. In 1999 there were 9 facilities in operation and by 2005 the number of facilities had been consolidated to 4 with a 5th landfill facility under development at Gormanstown for the acceptance of construction and demolition waste.

Since 2005, there has been no change in the number of landfill facilities serving the Region, however there have been a number of developments in terms of ownership and the available capacity of these facilities. Table 20.1 identifies landfill facilities in operation and the waste types accepted at each facility.

Table 20.1: Landfill status and waste acceptance

Landfill Status Expected Year of Closure

Waste Type

Scotch Corner Operational 2018 Household; Commercial; Industrial; C&D

White River Operational 2022 Household; Commercial; Industrial; C & D

Corranure Operational 2012 - 2015 Note 1

Household; Commercial; street sweepings; Industrial; C& D

Knockharley Operational 2033 Household; Commercial; Industrial

Murphy Environmental Operational - C & D

Note 1:Estimate based on An bord Pleanala’s authosised timeline for waste acceptance at cell 3 and cell 4 (phase 3) and W077-04 requirement to cap cell 4 within 4 years of waste acceptance . It should be noted that cell 4 was still underway in 2010. Table 20.2 identifies the landfill facilities operational in 2009, the licensed annual intake, the estimated remaining capacity and estimated life expectancy of each facility. In 2005 the remaining full consented municipal landfill capacity was approximately 3.3 million tonnes regionally. In 2009 this was revised upwards of 4 million tonnes taking planning restrictions on waste acceptance and development delays into consideration. This has also resulted in an extended lifetime for Knockharley and Corranure landfills.

Table 20.2 also illustrates if disposal to landfill were to continue at the 2009 rate of approximately 315,000 tonnes per annum, there is approximately 13 years landfill capacity remaining – enough authorised capacity to last until 2023. However, it should be noted that this regional lifespan is affected by a number of factors including;

• The character of the waste

• The quantity of waste arising and the proportion consigned to landfill

• The rate of compaction

• The quantity of cover material used

• The ability to use void space before restrictions cause it to cease such as restrictions on lifespan

It should also be noted in December 2010, the EPA issued a proposed decision on Cavan County Councils application for a revised Waste Licence for Corranure Landfill (W077-04). The proposed Decision restricts the annual intake of waste for landfill to 45,000 tonnes per annum; reduces the proposed depth of Cell 4 from 30 meters to 15 meters, thereby reducing the overall capacity of cell 4


MDR0783Rp0001 64 A01

to approximately 150,000 tonnes; and limits the lifespan of cell 4 to 4 years from the commencement of waste disposal within the cell. A final decision was issued in May 2011, reconfirming the above restrictions. This decision results in a revised municipal landfill capacity of approximately 3.9 million tonnes regionally.


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Table 20.2: Landfill Capacity and remaining Life expectancy (2009)

Landfill Name Allowable intake capacity per annum (tonnes per annum) note 1

Estimated remaining capacity in 2005 (tonnes)

2005 Anticipated year of closure

Estimated remaining Capacity in 2009 (tonnes)

Estimated remaining life expectancy

Estimated regional remaining life expectancy Note 9

Scotch Corner 39,500 400,000 2018 302,000 Note 2 2018

11 years- 15 years

White River 96,000 1,553,395 2022 1,181,672 Note 3 2022

Knockharley 200,000

(planning consent for 132,000 tpa until 2010; 88,000tpa thereafter) Note 4

1,300,000 2019 2,263,000 Note 5 2033

Corranure

90,000

45,000 (May 2011) Note 6

530,000 2010/11

4,800 tonnes remaining capacity in cell 3. Cell 4 is currently under construction with an expected capacity of circa 150,000 tonnes.Note 7

2012- 2015 Note 10

Murphy Environmental (Gormanstown)

750,000 Not open - Note 8 No defined lifespan

Total Municipal Capacity

357,500 (reducing to 268,500 in 2010/2011) 3,343,395 3,901,472

Note 1: Annual licenced capacity Note 2: based on void capacity reported in the Waste Facility Annual Environmental Report 2009 Note 3: based in void capacity reported in the Waste Facility Annual Environmental Report 2009 and operators information Note 4: Knockharley is licensed to accept 200,000 tonnes of waste per annum. However Planning consent PL.PL17.220331 states waste to be accepted at the facility shall be restricted to 132,000 tonnes per annum until December, 2010, thereafter tonnage for disposal at the facility shall be restricted to a maximum of 88,000 tonnes per annum. This decision currently remains valid therefore the estimated remainng capacity and life expectancy is based on this date. Note 5: based on void capacity reported in the waste Facility Annual Environmental Returns 2009 and a density of 1.0t/m3. Note 6: based on Waste Licence W077-03 operational in 2009. W077-04 was issued in May 2011 and reduces the annual intake to 45,000tpa; the depth of the cell to 15 meters and the lifespan of cell 4 to 4 years. Note 7: based on void capacity reported in the Waste Facility Annual Environmental Report 2009 and operators information. W077-04 restricts the capacity of cell 4 to approximately 150,000 tonnes. Note 8: No data was obtained Note 9: based on authorized intake quantities for 2009 and 2011 Note 10: estimated lifetime based on planning consent and waste licence W077-04


MDR0783Rp0001 66 A01

21 PROPOSED INFASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS

In 2009, there were a number of proposed infrastructural developments in the pipeline in the North East Region.

• Oxigen Environmental Ltd. submitted a Waste Licence Application to the EPA in 2009 for the proposed development of an Integrated Recycling Facility at Corranure, Co.Cavan. In addition to the landfill cell currently under development (phase 3) and the Recycling Centre, it is proposed to develop a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) with processing capacity of 180,000 tonnes per annum and a Biological Waste Treatment Facility with a capacity of 65,000 tonnes per annum for the treatment of segregated domestic and commercial organic waste.

In conjunction with Oxigen’s application, Cavan County Council submitted a Waste Licence Review Application to the EPA to transfer responsibility of phase 3 and any further proposed infrastructural developments to Oxigen, while Cavan County Council maintains responsibility for the restoration and aftercare of the all landfilling operations prior to the development of phase 3.

In May 2011, the EPA refused to grant a new Waste Licence for these developments to Oxigen Environmental Ltd. and refused to transfer responsibility for proposed developments to Oxigen. In addition the EPA restricted the intake of waste for disposal at the facility from 90,000 tonnes per annum to 45,000 tonnes per annum; restricts the depth of cell 4 to 15m and requires cell 4 to be capped within 4 years of waste acceptance.

Oxigen Environmental lodged a Strategic Infrastructure Development Application with An Bord Pleanala in December 2010. In addition to the landfill cell currently under development (cell 4) and the Recycling Centre, it is proposed to develop a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) with processing capacity of 180,000 - 195,000 tonnes per annum; an MBT facility with a capacity of 140,000 tonnes per annum and a Biological Waste Treatment Facility with a capacity of 65,000 tonnes per annum for the treatment of segregated domestic and commercial organic waste. This application was withdrawn in June 2011.

• Panda Waste Services submitted a Waste Licence Review Application to the EPA in 2009 for the proposed development of an MBT/SRF production facility (180,000tpa) and an Anaerobic Digestion facility (70,000tpa) at their existing Integrated Waste Management Facility in Beauparc Navan, Co.Meath. It is proposed the facility will have a combined capacity of 250,000tpa. It is proposed to anaerobically digest source segregated organic waste and the organic fines from household and commercial mixed residual waste.

In September 2009, Meath County Council granted Panda Waste Services planning consent for the extension of the existing MRF and for the development of an anaerobic digestion and composting facility.

• Greenstar Ltd lodged a strategic infrastructure development application with An Bord Pleanala in December 2010 to extend the footprint of Knockharley landfill; increase the rate of waste acceptance to 200,000tpa and construct an Anaerobic Digestion facility with a capacity of 90,000 tonnes per annum for the treatment of biodegradable municipal waste. It is proposed to build the Anaerobic Digestion facility in two phases, each with the capacity to treat 45,000 tpa which would allow the generation of 6 MWh of electricity from the burning of methane emissions. A decision on the application is due in 2011.

• Thornton Reycling submitted a Waste Licence Review Application to the EPA in mid 2010 to obtain the necessary approval to allow the existing Kilmainhamwood composting facility accept and treat an additional 19,200 tonnes of biodegradable material.


MDR0783Rp0001 67 A01

Part III

Legislative and Policy Developments


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22 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS

The previous Waste Management Plans adopted throughout Ireland have had a dramatic impact on the approach to managing waste throughout the country over the past five years. The majority of Local Authorities now co-operate on a regional basis to deal with waste issues and infrastructure has been developed on the basis on Regional waste data and needs. This chapter assesses recent developments in waste management and looks at how likely future trends, programmes and legislation will impact the North East Region.

The following table summarises recent developments since 2005.

LEGISLATION DATE

EU

EU Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste 2008

EU Directive 2008/1/EC on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control 2008

Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators and repealing Directive 91/157/EEC

2006

EU Regulation 1013/2006 on Shipments of Waste 2006

Directive 2006/21/EC on the Management of Waste from Extractive Industries 2006

NATIONAL

Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations 2011 2011

Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 13 of 2010) 2010

Waste Management (Landfill Levy)(Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 31 of 2010) 2010

Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 32 of 2010) 2010

Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 286 of 2009)

2009

Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Order 2009 (S.I. No. 496 of 2009) 2009

Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 508 of 2009) 2009

Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Amendment Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 550 of 2009) 2009

Waste management (Management of Waste from Extractive Industries) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 566 of 2009)

2009

Waste Management (Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 86 of 2008)

2008

Waste Management (Collection Permit) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 87 of 2008) 2008

Waste Management (Registration of Brokers and Dealers) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 113 of 2008) 2008

Waste Management Landfill Levy Order 2008 (S.I. No. 168 of 2008) 2008

Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations, 2008 (S.I. No. 199 of 2008) 2008

Waste Management (Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 375 of 2008)

2008

Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 524 of 2008)

2008

Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations 2008 S.I. No. 376 of 2008)

2008


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Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 268 of 2008) 2008

Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators)(Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 556 of 2008) 2008

Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 798 of 2007) 2007

Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 167 of 2007)

2007

Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 419 of 2007) 2007

Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) - Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 664 of 2007) 2007

Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 820 of 2007) 2007

Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 821 of 2007) 2007

Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 282 of 2006) 2006

Waste Management (Landfill Levy)(Amendment) Regulations, 2006, (S.I. No. 402 of 2006) 2006

Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 308 of 2006)

Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 341 of 2005)

2005

Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 340 of 2005)

2005

Waste Management (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 290 of 2005) 2005

POLICY

National Waste Prevention Programme - Prevention Plan 2009 – 2012 2009 - 2012

National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (2008-2012) 2008- 2012

National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste 2006

PENDING LEGISLATION AND POLICY

Draft Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill (2011) 2011

Draft Statement of Waste Policy 2010

Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2010 2010

MINISTERIAL SECTION 60 POLICY DIRECTIONS

July 2008 Policy Guidance Pursuant to Section 60 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended (Circular WPRR: 04/08) (Action against illegal waste activity – the use of sanctions)

2008

May 2005 Policy Guidance Pursuant to Section 60 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended (Circular WIR: 04/05) (Action Against Illegal Waste Activity and Movement of Waste)

2005


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22.1 RECENT EU WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

European policy on waste management is embodied in a number of Directives, some of which contain statutory targets for minimising, reusing, recycling or recovering of waste, and have set out a certain timeframe for which these targets must be achieved by Member States. Much of the legislation governing waste management in Ireland is based on transposing EU Directives into law.

The following provides a summary of EU legislation which has been enacted since the adoption of the North East Region Waste Management Plan 2005-2010.

EU Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste ‘ Waste Framework Directive’

The EU Directive on waste (2008/98/EC) and repealing certain Directives was published on 22 November 2008 and comes into force on 12 December 2008. Member states are required to implement the new Directive into national law by 12 December 2010. The new Directive has repealed Directive (2006/12/EC) on Waste, the Hazardous Waste Directive (91/689/EEC) and the Waste Oils Directive (75/439/EEC).

This Directive establishes a legal framework for the treatment of waste aimed at the whole waste cycle from generation to disposal, placing the emphasis on recovery and recycling. It aims at protecting the environment and human health through the prevention of the harmful effects of waste generation and waste management. The revised Directive 2008/98/EC sets the basic concepts and definitions related to waste management the waste hierarchy, plans and programmes and permits and registrations.

EU Directive 2008/1/EC on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control

Council Directive 2008/1/EC Concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (“the IPPC Directive”) replaces Directive 96/61/EC and defines the obligations with which industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential must comply. It establishes a procedure for authorising these activities and sets minimum requirements to be included in all permits, particularly in relation to pollutants released. The aim is to prevent or reduce pollution of the atmosphere, soil and water, as well as the quantities of waste arising from industrial and agricultural installations, to ensure a high level of environmental protection.

Integrated pollution prevention and control concerns new or existing industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential, as defined in Annex I to the Directive (energy industries, production and processing of metals, mineral industry, chemical industry, waste management, livestock farming, etc.).

EU Directive 2006/66/EC on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators

Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators and repealing Directive 91/157/EEC applies to all types of batteries and accumulators, apart from those used in equipment to protect Member States' security or for military purposes, or in equipment designed to be sent into space. It applies without prejudice to Directives 2000/53/EC and 2002/96/EC.

This Directive prohibits the placing on the market of certain batteries and accumulators with a proportional mercury or cadmium content above a specified threshold. In addition it promotes a high level of collection and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators and the improvement in the environmental performance of all involved in the life-cycle of batteries and accumulators, including their recycling and disposal. The aim is to cut the amount of hazardous substances - in particular, mercury, cadmium and lead – placed in the environment; this should be done by reducing the use of


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these substances in batteries and accumulators and by treating and re-using the amounts that are used.

EU Regulation 1013/2006 on Shipments of Waste

This Regulation aims at strengthening, simplifying and specifying the procedures for controlling waste shipments to improve environmental protection. It thus reduces the risk of waste shipments not being controlled. It also seeks to include into Community legislation the provisions of the Basel Convention as well as the revision of the Decision on the control of transboundary movements of wastes destined for recovery operations, adopted by the OECD in 2001.

The Regulation applies to shipments of waste: between Member States, within the Community or with transit through third countries; imported into the Community from third countries; exported from the Community to third countries and in transit through the Community, on the way from and to third countries.

Directive 2006/21/EC on the Management of Waste from Extractive Industries

The Directive introduced measures to prevent or minimise any adverse effects on the environment and resultant risks to health resulting from the management of waste from the extractive industries, such as tailings and displaced material. This Directive applies to waste resulting from the extraction, treatment and storage of mineral resources and the working of quarries. Waste covered by this Directive no longer falls within the scope of Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste.

This particular extractive waste must be managed in specialised facilities in compliance with specific rules. In accordance with Directive 2004/35/EC, operators of such facilities are subject to liability in respect of environmental damage caused by their operation. Member States shall take every precaution to limit risks to public health and the environment related to the operation of extractive waste processing facilities, inter alia by applying the concept of “best available techniques”.

22.2 RECENT NATIONAL LEGISLATION

Since the adoption of the Waste Plan the following legislation has been introduced. Where amendments to Regulations exist the original legislation is discussed under the most recent Regulation.

Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations 2011 The Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations were published by the DEHLG in April 2011 to transpose the revised EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC into national legislation.

Waste Management Plans must be reviewed by the 31st of May 2012 and brought in line with the requirements of the Waste Directive.

Waste Management (Landfill Levy) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 31 of 2010)

These Regulations first came into effect under S.I. No. 86 of 2002 and imposed a landfill levy with effect from 1 June 2002, at an initial rate of €15 per tonne of waste disposed of to landfill. There have been a number of revisions to these Regulations since the publication of the Waste Plan. The 2010 Regulations provided for an increase of the levy to €30 per tonne of waste disposed at a landfill facility.


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Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 32 of 2010)

The Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations 2010 came into effect in March 2010. The Regulations have implications for those involved in the collection and management of sewage sludge or septic tank waste. The Regulations require any individual that stores sewage sludge or septic tank waste, to register the storage facility with the Local Authority in whose area the facility is located. Under the Regulations Local Authorities are obliged to maintain a register of sludge storage facilities, and can attach conditions of operation to any facility that it registers.

Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 286 of 2009)

The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations came into force in 2009 and strengthen the law against waste disposal by uncontrolled burning. Household waste cannot be disposed of by burning within the curtilage or in any other part of the dwelling or burned by use of stoves or open fires. The Regulations have been added to Local Authority enforcement priorities.

Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 508 of 2009)

These Regulations impose obligations on the major producers of food waste, e.g. shops, supermarkets, state buildings, restaurants, canteens in office buildings, hotels, guest houses, hospitals, schools, train stations, ports & airports etc. Small businesses producing <50 kgs per week may seek exemption from the general requirements of the Regulations until 2011 following which all businesses will be covered by the regulations irrespective of the amounts of food waste produced. The Regulations require food waste to be kept separate from other waste and prevents segregated food waste from being disposed of to landfill and presents three alternative options to producers: use of a brown bin collection service; transport directly to a composting plant or other type of food waste recycling facility; or use an on-site authorised composting unit

Waste management (Management of Waste from Extractive Industries) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 566 of 2009)

The objective of the Regulations is to prevent or reduce as far as possible any adverse effects on the environment from the management of waste from the extractive industries-which includes quarries and peat and aims to regulate the sector in order to prevent or reduce as far as possible harmful effects on the environment and any resultant effects to human health These Regulations transpose Directive 2006/21/EC on the Management of Waste from Extractive Industries.

Waste Management (Collection Permit) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 87 of 2008)

The 2008 Waste Collection Permit Regulations amended the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 which provided for a system of permitting by local authorities of commercial waste collection activities. The Regulations now provide operators with the option of applying for a permit for specified regions or multi regions by means of a single application to a single nominated authority while also extending the time period for a collection permit from 2 to 5 years. The Regulations provided for conditions to be attached to collection permits specifying the requirements to be complied with in respect of the types and quantities of wastes collected and the place or places to which waste concerned may or shall be delivered for recovery or disposal. Under the 2007 Regulations Local Authorities were empowered to revoke a collection permit.


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Waste Management (Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 86 of 2008)

The 2008 Regulations amended the 2007 Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 which provided system for permitting or registration of waste facility activities.

The amendment stipulated that a Local Authority cannot grant a waste facility permit unless it is satisfied that the facility is planning compliant. Local Authorities were also empowered to attach conditions to a waste facility permit as are necessary to give effect to the objectives of regional Waste Management Plans or the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan while also encouraging sound environmental management of waste, in particular in relation to waste prevention, re-use, recycling and recovery.

Waste Management (Registration of Brokers and Dealers) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 113 of 2008)

These Regulations deal with the regulation of waste contractors who never actually take physical possession of waste but arrange for its shipment nationally and internationally, or buy and sell waste as a commodity. These regulations amend the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004.

Waste Management (Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 375 of 2008)

The Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 340 of 2005) were amended in 2008 by S.I. No. 375 of 2008.

The Regulations are designed to promote the recovery of WEEE, and to facilitate achievement of targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of WEEE in environmentally sound manner. The Regulations impose obligations on persons who supply electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers. Producers can self-comply or join a compliance scheme. Currently there are two approved compliance schemes, European Recycling Platform (ERP) and WEEE Ireland. If a producer is a certified member of a compliance scheme they are exempt from certain requirements.

Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 524 of 2008)

These Regulations apply to each closed landfill identified at which waste disposal or recovery activities were carried on without a waste licence. Under this Regulation Local Authorities are required to identify and register closed landfills in addition to identifying all closed landfills within its functional area. Each Local Authority must also have regard to the reporting requirements of Chapter 8 of the EPA’s Code of Practice Environmental Risk Assessment for unregulated waste disposal and maintain a register of all closed landfills identified by it. Local Authorities must carry out an assessment of the risk of environmental pollution in respect of all closed landfills identified pursuant to Regulation.

Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 376 of 2008)

The Waste Management (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations, 2005 (S.I. No. 341 of 2005) were also amended in 2008 by the Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations 2008. These Regulations are designed to


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promote the recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment and facilitate in particular the achievement of the targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment as established by Directive 2002/96/EC.

minimise waste arisings of certain hazardous substances by prohibiting the use of certain heavy metals in electrical and electronic equipment as required by Directive 2002/95/EC.

Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 798 of 2007)

The 2007 Regulations amended the 2006 Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations which introduced new higher EU packaging waste recovery targets of 60% (with 55% by way of recycling) and included material-specific recycling targets, to be achieved in Ireland by end 2011.

The 2007 Regulations consolidated the current suite of packaging regulations - the existing regulations of 2003 as well as the amending regulations of 2004 and 2006 respectively - to bring improved clarity, transparency and accessibility to the packaging waste regulatory regime. They also introduced a range of integrated measures aimed at optimising the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland, including a reduction from 25 tonnes to 10 tonnes in the de minimis (i.e. one of the thresholds to determine ‘major producer’ status) to spread the burden of compliance more equitably across all obligated producers.

Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2007

These regulations revoke the Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (Amendment) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 66 of 2007) and provide for an increase in the amount of the levy on plastic bags from 15 cent to 22 cent per bag with from 1 July 2007.

Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007 S.I. No. 419 of 2007

The EU Regulation (1013/2006) on transfrontier shipments of waste is supported in Irish law through Statutory Instruments under the Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations, S.I. 419 of 2007.Under the Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007, Dublin City Council is nominated as the competent authority of dispatch in respect of the export of waste, the competent authority of destination in respect of the import of waste, and the competent authority of transit in respect of any waste shipments transiting through the Irish State. All transfrontier shipments of waste originating in any local authority area within the State since 2007, which are subject to the prior written notification procedures must be notified to and through Dublin City Council at the National TFS Office.

Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) - Regulations 2007 – S.I. No. 664 of 2007

The Regulations require producers, suppliers and authorised waste collectors to provide specified information to local authorities. The Regulations were enacted to improve information gathering and the tracking of waste tyre flows within Ireland. Suppliers of tyres to the Irish Market, whether manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, traders, or retailers or collectors of waste tyres who do not participate in a voluntary compliance scheme must register annually with the relevant Local Authority, and pay annual registration and re-registration fees. Detailed reporting on quantities of tyres placed on the market or collected must be made to the relevant Local Authority. In accordance with the Regulations anyone who wishes to collect tyres must hold a valid Waste Collection Permit in order to be classified as an Authorised Waste Collector.


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Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006

The Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations were to implement the provisions of EU Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles. The Regulations place heavy obligations on manufacturers and importers of cars and vans ("producers" under the Regulations), with each producer’s system consisting of at least 43 Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs - 1 per functional area of local authority where the population of the functional area is less than or equal to 150,000 with supplemental facilities for each additional 150,000 persons).


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22.3 ENERGY POLICIES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012

Since the formulation of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 the issue of climate change has become a more important policy issue at European and National level. Under the agreement Ireland was allowed to increase its emissions of GHGs by 13% above 1990 levels in the period 2008 - 2012. Due to rapid economic growth, Ireland's GHG emissions had increased considerably over the period since the signing of the burden sharing agreement, at one point reaching levels 30% above the 1990 baseline.

The National Climate Change Strategy 2007 - 2012 sets out a range of measures, building on those already in place under the first National Climate Change Strategy (2000) to ensure Ireland reaches its target under the Kyoto Protocol. The Strategy provides a framework for action to reduce Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions

Energy White Paper 2007, Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland, The Energy Policy Framework 2007 – 2020

This White Paper sets out the Government’s Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020 to deliver a sustainable energy future for Ireland. It is set firmly in the global and European context which has put energy security and climate change among the most urgent international challenges. In charting the course for Irish energy policy, the Government is taking full account of global and EU developments.

Sustainability is at the heart of the Government’s energy policy objectives. The challenge of creating a sustainable energy future for Ireland is being met through a range of strategies, targets and actions to deliver environmentally sustainable energy supply and use.

Key to promoting sustainable energy supply is the generation of energy from waste whether from biological or thermal treatment. This results in maximum benefit via heat and electricity generation whilst also dramatically minimising negative environmental effects. Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland, 2007

The Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland (published by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in March 2007) sets out an integrated strategy for collective delivery of the potential benefits of bioenergy.

One of the main actions highlighted in the Bioenergy Action Plan is to expand the REFIT mechanism to assist the development of waste to energy projects by supporting hybrid projects. This would allow mixed renewable and on renewable generation waste to energy projects to obtain support for the renewable portion of the output. This type of hybrid support mechanism is common in other EU Member States. It also supports the objectives of the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste to maximise the recovery of useful materials and energy from residual waste.

22.4 RECENT NATIONAL POLICY

National Waste Prevention Programme Prevention Plan 2009 – 2012

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government established the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) in April 2004 in accordance with the policy document Preventing and


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Recycling Waste – Delivering Change. The Environmental Protection Agency published an outline framework plan for the Programme to cover the period 2004-2008. Four annual reports have been published detailing the progress made with the range of projects initiated.

The EPA has published a new Prevention Plan 2009-2012. This document is presented as a framework statement of intent for work to be completed on the Prevention Programme for the four year period to 2012..

A key part of this Prevention Plan is the marketing and promotion of prevention opportunities available to all organisations and householders. The widespread adoption of resource efficiency has potential to reduce waste arisings including hazardous and biodegradable wastes, and to reduce pressure on water and energy resources. This would in turn contribute significantly to the Climate Change and the Sustainable Production & Consumption agendas.

National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008 - 2012

The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) was replaced in 2008 and sets out the priority actions that should be taken within the period of the NHWMP (2008-2012) in relation to: the prevention of hazardous waste; improved collection rates for certain categories of hazardous waste; the steps that are required to improve Ireland’s self-sufficiency in hazardous waste management; and the management of certain legacy hazardous wastes such as contaminated soil.

National Municipal Biodegradable Waste Strategy 2006

The National Biodegradable Waste Strategy was published in 2006 and focuses on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) produced largely by household and commerce and investigates mechanisms of reducing BMW going to landfill in order to meet EU targets and to meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive 99/31/EC which poses restrictions on the consignment of certain waste materials to landfill. The Strategy is based on the integrated waste management approach established as Government policy since the publication of Changing Our Ways in 1998. The Strategy sets specific objectives for the contributions that each of these measures will contribute to the achievement of the 2016 target for diversion of BMW from landfill.

22.5 PENDING WASTE POLICY AND LEGISLATION

Draft Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011 In March 2010 the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government launched a consultation on a draft Bill for the application of levies to landfills and incinerators. The purpose of the draft Bill was to increase current levels of plastic bag and landfill levies and to extend the scope of the landfill levy to include incineration, to provide for increases in penalties under the Air Pollution Act 1987 and to introduce a system of fixed payment notices. Section 6 of the draft Bill proposes amendments to Section 73 (as inserted by the Act of 2001) of the Act of 1996 ‘Power to impose landfill levy’ which includes among others the specification of the levy by regulation which shall not exceed €120 per tonne of waste disposed. The proposed amendment further provides for the amendment of the amount of levy by the Minister which ‘does not exceed the amount so standing specified by €50’.

Section 7 of the draft Bill proposes the amendment of the Act of 1996 by the insertion of Section 73(A) ‘Power to impose waste facility levy’ which, as with Section 6 outlined above, provides the Minister


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with powers to specify a levy by regulation to a maximum of €120 per tonne and amend the amount of the levy by not more than €50. Following the dissolution of the Fianna Fail/ Green Party Dail, the Bill was restored by Minister Hogan on the 23rd of March 2011 and reached committee stage in July 2011. A number of amendments to the Bill are proposed for discussion at committee stage, including removal of the proposed waste facility levies.

Draft Statement of Waste Policy 2010 In July 2010 the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) published the ‘Draft Statement of Waste Policy’. The Draft Policy outlines the proposed principles envisaged to inform Irish waste policy with the majority of these principles being directly derived from the International Review of Waste Management Policy in Ireland. The draft Statement proposes fourteen individual policy measures which focus on the principal objective of placing sustainability at the core of Ireland’s resource and waste management policy. Policy measures include waste management planning, prevention and regulation, as well as direction of waste, levels of service, targets and incentives for residual waste among others.

The document proposed to implement the policy measures put forward through the use of appropriate legislative and fiscal measures.

Appendix B provides details on the fourteen individual policy measures proposed.

However, it should be noted that given the dissolution of the Dail in early 2011 and the appointment of a new Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Minister Hogan), it is at this point unclear if the Minister will progress the Draft Statement of Waste Policy.

The Minister indicated his focus is firmly fixed on completing, by the end of the year, his own review of national waste policy which he has initiated and that responsibility for waste management plans and their implementation is, and will remain, a matter primarily for local authorities, guided by the internationally recognised waste hierarchy.

Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2010 The draft Regulations require authorised waste collectors to ensure, as a minimum, that they provide a separate collection service from households in accordance with the following:

from 1 July 2011, for all households >50,000 population, and from 1 January 2012, for all households >1,500 population.

Authorised waste collectors must provide a separate collection service as follows;

at least once a fortnight and no less frequent than the residual waste collection service (black bin); and

may form part of services provided for segregated collection of garden/other suitable organic waste.

The draft Regulations require Local Authorities to review all waste collection permits relating to the collection of household waste and to specify conditions to ensure compliance with these Regulations by March 2011.

July 2008 Policy Guidance Pursuant to Section 60 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended (Circular WPRR: 04/08) (Action against illegal waste activity – the use of sanctions)


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Under this Policy Direction the EPA and Local Authorities are directed to prepare an Enforcement Policy in respect of Unauthorised Waste Activities which will encourage and promote systematic and consistent enforcement actions against illegal waste operators across the State as a whole and which will deliver effective, proportionate and dissuasive actions against such operators. May 2005 Policy Guidance Pursuant to Section 60 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended (Circular WIR: 04/05) (Action Against Illegal Waste Activity and Movement of Waste) The purpose of policy direction was to encourage an intensification of action against illegal waste activity, enhance the response of Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in ensuring the protection of the environment and human health and the prosecution of offenders. In determining the nature of such prosecutions the Policy Direction stated that regard should be had to the elimination of the economic benefit deriving from the illegal activity. The Policy Direction also confirmed that one of the fundamental components of policy in regard to the regulation of the movement of waste is the application of the proximity principle. However, it stated that, the application of the proximity principle does not entail interpreting administrative waste management planning boundaries in such a manner as to inhibit the development of waste infrastructure which will support the attainment of national waste management policy objectives through the rational development and use of such infrastructure.

22.5.1 Direction of Waste Policy

Reorganising Household Waste Collection

In recent months, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, published a discussion document to help inform public consultation on the Government’s commitment to reorganise household waste collection.

This in line with commitments documented in the Programme for Government, which states the Government will introduce competitive tendering for local household waste collection services. It is envisaged that service providers will bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.

Packaging Waste Levy

The Minister began a process of consultation with industry, other stakeholders and the public on a possible levy on packaging. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to drive a waste reduction programme as part of the overall policy in the area of a sustainable waste. One of the possible elements of this waste reduction strategy is a levy on packaging.

The main issues which it is intended to examine in this consultation are as follows:

• The overall views by stakeholders on a packaging levy;

• How a packaging levy might be operated;

• International experiences of similar levies; and

• How a possible packaging levy might be structured in order to contribute to a reduction in packaging waste.


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Part IV Policy Objectives and Targets Review and

Recommendations


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23 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS

The Policy as outlined by the North East Local Authorities in the North East Waste Management Strategy was given a statutory basis when the first Waste Management Plan for the North East Region was adopted in 2001.

The Plan assessed three waste management scenarios which represented a combination of different recycling targets, the possible introduction of thermal treatment with energy recovery leading to landfill disposal of residues only.

The scenarios assessed were;

Scenario 1

Provides for the introduction of door to door collection of dry recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals etc., increased number of Bring Banks in rural areas alongside new Recycling Centres, in specified towns. Recycling would be further increased by collection of household kitchen waste in larger urban areas for biological treatment. The remaining waste not recycled would be landfilled.

Scenario 2

Provides for collecting the dry recyclables through a very extensive Bring Bank network in combination with Recycling Centres in specified towns. The collection of material for biological treatment would be extended to include all households. The remaining waste, which is combustible, would be thermally treated and the residual waste, which cannot be recycled or thermally treated, would be landfilled.

Scenario 3

Provides for the introduction of door to door collection of dry recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals etc., increased number of Bring Banks in rural areas alongside new Recycling Centres, in specified towns. Recycling would be further increased by collection of household kitchen waste for biological treatment. The remaining waste, which is combustible, would be thermally treated and the residual waste, which cannot be recycled or thermally treated, would be landfilled.

The scenarios were selected based on factors which are likely to influence future waste management in the Region including the mandatory EU and National targets for recycling. Therefore in developing the scenarios the maximum diversion from landfill was a primary objective. However, not all waste is recyclable nor is it possible to achieve 100% sorting efficiency. For this reason bulk reduction methods such as thermal treatment had to be considered to achieve the objective of maximising diversion from landfill. In each scenario, a plan for recycling/bulk reduction treatment facilities and the appropriate schemes for waste collection over the planning period were identified.

Modelling was undertaken to compare each of the selected scenarios which took into account technical, environmental and financial implications of each scenario. Each scenario was translated into an integrated waste management system, which sets out collection, recycling and recovery/disposal facilities as well as an implementation time-scale over the period 1999 -2014.

It was determined that the development of an integrated waste management system which promotes maximum recycling, recovery and energy from residual waste with minimal landfill disposal is the Best Practical Environmental Option for the management of waste in the North East Region with Scenario 3 being the preferred option.


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Recycling 43% Energy Recovery 39% Disposal 18%

In 2004/2005 a review of the first regional plan was undertaken by the four Local Authorities, resulting in a Replacement Plan adopted in 2006. The Waste Plan for the North East Region 2005-2010 (the Waste Plan), set out the current policy to progress the sustainable management of waste arisings in the Region to 2010. In doing so, the Waste Plan adopted the principles of self sufficiency and proximity and applies the EU waste hierarchy of prevention, reuse and recycling followed by energy recovery and minimal disposal.

The overall Regional Policy Objectives for the North East Region as set out in the Waste Plan are as follows:

Waste prevention and minimisation will be a priority and there will be increased focus on the schools, community and business sectors to reduce waste arisings. The Region will strive to curb the growth in waste arisings.

The Region will deliver an effective system meeting the ‘polluter pays principle’ that meets

high standards of environmental performance and all legislative obligations.

The Region will strive to give access to waste management services across the Region, particularly in rural areas.

The Region will strive to improve collection coverage and participation for households and

businesses, reducing ‘uncollected waste’.

The Region will continue to improve the infrastructure for recycling and recovery of waste.

The Region will maximise positive input of the private sector to help meet Plan objectives.

The North East Local Authorities will if necessary and/or appropriate for environmental or other reasons, direct that certain waste streams must be delivered to a certain tier in the waste hierarchy (e.g. reuse, recycling, biological treatment, energy recovery). This will be achieved by means of the Waste Collection Permit system or other appropriate regulatory or enforcement measures.

In accordance with the priority order of the EU waste hierarchy, the Waste Plan also presents specific waste policy objectives and targets for waste prevention and minimisation, collection, recycling, recovery and disposal. The Plan also contains a programme of implementation setting out a timeframe for the delivery of key municipal waste management infrastructure.

The aim of implementing these policy objectives is to achieve the ambitious target rates of recycling, recovery and disposal to meet the requirements of current and proposed legislation.

Adopted Waste Targets:

The above long term overarching targets as adopted by the North East Region were to be implemented over a 15 year period and following the Review they are considered to remain relevant and challenging. The individual policies and objectives of the Waste Plan have been reviewed and amended where necessary having regard to the realisation of these targets over the next three years.

The following section reviews the current regional policy for the management of waste with a view to determining the suitability of existing objectives and targets for the Region, identification of further


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policy objectives and targets applicable to the Region since the adoption of the Waste Plan and an evaluation of the timeframe for the delivery of key dates specified.

It should be noted the Local Authorities are fully committed to their obligations in relation to applicable objective and targets proposed, however in many cases successful implementation will be dependant on the availability of required funding.

23.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY OBJECTIVES

Chapter 5 of the Waste Plan details methods of achieving these policy objectives. In doing so the plan divides implementation responsibilities in to the following categories:

1. Producer Responsibilities (General Public, Business, Voluntary and Community Sectors)

2. Regional Implementation (Waste Steering Group)

3. Local Authority Implementation (Four Local Authorities)

4. Private Sector Implementation


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24 WASTE PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION

24.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS

It was a primary objective of the Waste Plan to place added focus on waste prevention and minimisation moving forward in line with the EU waste hierarchy and the development of national programmes and initiatives whose underlying goal was to decouple waste generation from economic growth.

Previously, some of the main barriers to waste prevention were the low level of understanding of the concept and the lack of a standardised definition and method of measurement. A key aim of the Plan was to increase levels of understanding and to promote and utilise a standard definition.

In 2005, the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) was in the process of developing a national definition for waste prevention. The definition recommended in the Clean Technology Centre Prevention Framework Document was:

‘Elimination or reduction at source of material and energy consumption, waste arisings (solid, gaseous, heat and liquid), and harmful substances’.

This definition has since been adopted and it is clear from this definition that the primary emphasis should be on prevention, reduction at source and re-use of products.

Although considerable attention had been paid to recycling in Ireland in recent years, the Waste Plan identifies that greater emphasis is required on preventing and minimising waste in the coming years.

Chapter 3 of the Waste Plan details the Policy Objectives for promoting waste prevention and minimisation until 2010 as follows:

The Local Authorities will:

Continue the role of the Environmental Awareness Officers including programmes for households, schools, community and business sectors. (2006)

Encourage community/voluntary groups to establish additional waste services or facilities

(e.g. small scale facilities for recycling, reuse/repair) in their area and assist them to develop a strategy to provide such facilities for and with the members of their community. (2008)

Advise on potential sources of funding available. (2005 – 2010)

The Waste Plan also commits to adopting and employing developments on a National level such as the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) and other similar initiatives which generate legislation, funding, information and guidance on many issues which support the implementation of regional waste prevention programmes.

The Waste Plan also recognises that further improvements hinge on the regional commitment to prioritise prevention and to provide adequate resources to focus on individual waste sectors.


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In addition the role of community and voluntary sectors in reducing the quantity of waste is emphasised.

24.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS

Since 2005, there have been significant legislative and policy developments in the area of waste minimisation and prevention at both EU and National level. At EU level the overarching legislation is the EU Directive on Waste 2008/98/EC. The following table summarises waste prevention and minimisation requirements of the Directive and initiatives taken or planned on a National level in order to meet these requirements.

ARTICLE 29 WASTE FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

WASTE PREVENTION PROGRAMME CURRENT OR PLANNED POSITION

1. Member states shall establish, in accordance with Articles 1 and 4 waste prevention programmes not later than 12th December 2013.

National Waste Prevention Programme was established in April 2004.

Such programmes shall be integrated either into the waste management plans provided for in Article 28 or into other environmental policy programmes, as appropriate or shall function as separate programmes. If any such programme is integrated into the waste management plan or into other programmes, the waste prevention measures shall be clearly identified

Regional and local waste management plans are obliged to have separate sections on waste prevention. While the National Waste Prevention Programme functions as a distinct programme, it seeks to integrate with regional and local waste management plans with regard to their prevention elements (e.g. Local Authority Prevention Demonstration/Network projects). The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan functions in a similar manner.

2. The programmes provided for in paragraph 1 shall set out the waste prevention objectives. Member States shall describe the existing prevention measures and evaluate the usefulness of the examples of measures indicated in Annex IV or other appropriate measures. The aim of such objectives and measures shall be to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impacts associated with the generation of waste.

Objectives are set out in section 4 of the 2009-2012 Prevention Plan. Existing prevention measures are described in section 6 of the 2009-2012 Prevention Plan. Consideration of the Annex IV examples is described in Appendix A. These are included in the objectives of the National Waste Prevention Programme and 2009-2012 Prevention Plan.

3. Member States shall determine appropriate specific qualitative or quantitative benchmarks for waste prevention measures adopted in order to monitor and assess the progress of the measures and may determine specific qualitative or quantitative targets and indicators, other than those referred to in paragraph 4, for the same purpose.

All projects undertaken in the National Waste Prevention Programme have built-in metrics. Indicators are quantitative where possible and qualitative where appropriate (see section 8.4). The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste contains targets for the prevention of biodegradable municipal waste. The Green Hospitality Award scheme provides sector-wide international benchmarks for hotels’ resource efficiency.

4. Indicators for waste prevention measures may be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 39 (3).

These indicators are at EU Commission level.

5. The Commission shall create a system for sharing information on best practice regarding waste prevention and develop guidelines in order to assist the Member States in the preparation of the Programmes.

The EPA, through the National Waste Prevention Programme, will co-operate with any information-sharing initiatives commenced by the Commission. A paper was delivered to the European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production, Berlin in September 2008. Subject: LAPD Programme.


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In addition Article 6 of the Waste Framework Directive 2008 allows certain specified wastes to cease being a waste once it complies with specified criteria. It states:

‘certain specified waste shall cease to be a waste when it has undergone recovery, including recycling, operation and complies with specific criteria’. Criteria must be developed in accordance with the following conditions:

(a) the substance or object is commonly used for specific purposes;

(b) a market or demand exists for such a substance or object;

(c) the substance or object fulfils the technical requirements for the specific purposes and meets the existing legislation and standards applicable to products; and

(d) the use of the substance or object will not lead to overall adverse environmental or human

health impacts. The criteria shall include limit values for pollutants where necessary and shall take into account any possible adverse environmental effects of the substance or object.’ Currently end of waste criteria have not been established at national level for specified wastes however a number are currently under development. Article 6 pays particular attention to the development of end of waste criteria for aggregates, paper, glass, metal, tyres and textiles.

It should be noted that where a waste ceases to be a waste, it will also cease to be a waste for the purposes of recovery and recycling targets set out in national regulations implementing the Waste Framework Directive and other relevant legislation.

24.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS

Since 2005, waste prevention and minimisation activities in the North East Region have progressed significantly in all sectors and the Local Authorities continue to forge effective partnerships with stakeholders in all sectors.

Over the last 5 years, the Regional Local Authorities have been actively involved in the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration Programme (LAPD) and have developed successful prevention and minimisation initiatives at all levels. For example, between 2006 and 2009, Monaghan County Council was one of fourteen Local Authorities funded and assisted under the EPA’s National Waste Prevention Plan (NWPP) and LAPD Programme.

Monaghan County Council worked with Monaghan Leisure Centre, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) with the aim of preventing and minimising waste generation and developing resource efficiency practices in a number of areas.

The Project entitled ‘Working Together to Prevent Waste in County Monaghan’ was extremely successful with numerous sectors including manufacturing, service industry, hospitality, community run businesses, households, schools, farms and Local Authorities participating and benefitting from advice given by Monaghan County Council to improve their resource use and efficiency.

Similarly Cavan County Councils Green Fleadh event in 2010 was an extremely successful waste prevention and minimisation initiative which involved the public, community and business sectors.


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The implementation of the pay by use waste collection service by public and private waste collectors in 2005 also raised awareness amongst all sectors. The provision of this service created an economic incentive for households to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste in line with the polluter pays principle. While implementation of this service has been successful, evidence suggests that the level of fly-tipping and backyard burning of household waste within the Region and on a National level increased since the introduction of this service. It should be noted that the current economic downturn has also influenced such practices which has resulted in an additional strain on the enforcement sections of Local Authorities. It is recommended that further enforcement resources and measures are deployed in order to assist in preventing such illegal practices.

Within the Local Authority sector, progress has predominantly focused on the development of participating Local Authority staff in their appreciation of waste prevention initiatives, their ability to generate, implement and manage prevention programmes and their motivation to bring about change. Further work is required to promote the preparation of products for reuse. Local Authorities are encouraged to support the establishment of re-use and repair networks. See Part 1, Section 2 of this report for further detail regarding progress made within the Region during the term of the Waste Plan in relation to waste prevention and minimisation initiatives.

24.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS

The waste prevention and minimisation policy objectives specified in Chapter 3 of the Waste Plan remain relevant and continue to encourage behavioural change within households, businesses, industry as well as the public and community sectoral areas. However, it is recommended that Local Authorities focus on these policy objectives on a continuous basis going forward in order to further progress waste prevention initiatives.

Therefore following the Review it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.


Continue the role of the Environmental Awareness Officers including programmes for households, schools, community and business sectors.

Encourage community/voluntary groups to establish additional waste services or facilities

(e.g. small scale facilities for recycling, reuse/repair) in their area and assist them to develop a strategy to provide such facilities for and with the members of their community.

Encourage the use of reuse and repair networks such as freetradeireland.ie

Encourage and support the development and publication of case studies to demonstrate the

positive impacts of waste prevention and minimization measures on organizations.

Advise on potential sources of funding available.

Support and promote in house awareness and education on end of waste criteria developments.

In conjunction with the above the Regional Local Authorities would also welcome the introduction of extended producer responsibility initiatives such as the acceptance and return of products and wastes after those products have been used and the subsequent management of the remaining waste in line with Article 8 of the Waste Framework Directive. One such supported initiative would be the introduction of a National Deposit and Refund scheme whereby consumers would be charged a small


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fee which would be returned to the consumer upon return of plastics/cans/bottles etc. This is a policy proposal put forward by the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government in the Draft Waste Policy Statement issued in August 2010 and is a successful scheme widely available to the public across Europe.

Louth County Council’s Waste Minimisation/Recycling Programme relies heavily on community/voluntary partnership with the Local Authority and includes;

A formal Adopt a Bring Bank Programme where Tidy Towns Groups are grant aided to manage their local site including daily clean-up, reporting when service required, promoting through Tidy Towns Newsletters and providing on site Waste Information Panels.

Use of Tidy Town Volunteers to carry out household recycling surveys and assisting with green shopping events.

Recycling Action Plans within all schools.

The above initiatives should be considered by the remaining Local Authorities in order to develop community partnerships to further develop and enhance waste prevention and minimisation practices.


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25 HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING

25.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES

The North East Local Authorities have continued to ensure that an integrated and cost effective service is provided to householders in the Region. The issue of uncollected waste was recognised within the Waste Plan with approximately 30% of households not availing of a collection service in 2005. Section 3.3 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to household waste collection and recycling within the North East Region as follows; Increasing Waste Collection Coverage

The Local Authorities will pursue a policy of increasing the amount of household waste that is collected and treated using the following measures:

Sample surveys of households to determine how households that are not using a bin collection service are disposing of their waste. (2006)

Consider using the powers provided under Section 18 of the Waste Management Act (1996)

to determine what provisions are being made by householders not participating in the collection service for the recovery or disposal of waste arising in their household. This may encourage householders currently not participating to avail of the collection service.

Develop public awareness programmes focusing on households that are not disposing of

their waste through a permitted collector or to an authorised facility. (2006)

Follow up with enforcement measures where polluting activities (burning/dumping) are identified. (2007 – 2010)



Require that use-related charging systems in support of waste minimisation and recycling are implemented in the Region. (2005)

Specify through bye-laws how householders must separate and present waste. These bye-

laws will also ensure that each household has the required waste receptacles. (2008)

Continue to expand the network of Bring Banks, employing innovative methods of siting and collection, to a target density of 1 bank per 500 households. (2005 – 2015)

Provide additional Recycling Centres with facilities to accept a variety of materials not

catered for in the door-to-door collection service, including WEEE, household hazardous waste and green waste. A further 4 facilities are proposed bringing the network of full-scale Recycling Centres to 11 facilities in the Region. (2005 – 2010)


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In conjunction with the Private Sector, the Local Authorities will:

Ensure that household waste recycling is adequately addressed in all proposed new residential developments, by taking this into account during the Planning Application process. (2005 – 2010)

Ensure that an additional household waste collection bin (‘brown bin’) for the collection of

organic waste generated by households is introduced. (2008)

25.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010

National Statistics

National statistics on household waste collection and management are compiled by the EPA on an annual basis and presents the most up to date information on household waste generation and management within Ireland.

The reported quantity of household waste managed by the waste industry in Ireland decreased in 2008 from that reported for 2007, to 1,556,879 tonnes. The quantity of household waste recovered decreased by 5.5% to 401,312 tonnes; however, when the fall in household waste generation is factored in, the net recovery rate (26%) is identical to that reported for 2007. See below for EPA National indicators for household waste collection and management;

Household waste

Indicator 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Household waste

generated (t) 1,704,844 1,728,154 1,746,408 1,978,716 1,761,167 1,677,338

Household waste generated/person

(t) 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.47 0.41 0.38

Disposal of household waste

(t) 1,231,109 1,214,908 1,198,504 1,379,246 1,200,980 1,155,567

Disposal rate for household waste 87% 81% 78% 78% 74% 74%

Recovery of household waste

(t) 185,753 285,872 344,964 393,995 424,510 401,312

Recovery rate for household waste 13% 19% 22% 22% 26% 26%


In order to estimate the number of households that are not provided with, or choose not to avail of, waste collection services, on a National basis, individual local authorities report on the number of households served with collection services in their functional areas. Nationally, an estimated 80% of occupied households availed of a kerbside collection service in 2008. However, in some areas, participation rates are as low as 35%, while in some of the larger urban centres, coverage is reported to be 100%.


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Legislation

The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations came into force in 2009 and strengthen the law against waste disposal by uncontrolled burning. Household waste cannot be disposed of by burning within the curtilage or in any other part of the dwelling or burned by use of stoves or open fires. The Regulations have been added to Local Authority enforcement priorities. In addition to the above Article 11 of the Waste Framework Directive requires Member States to promote high quality recycling by setting up separate collections of waste where technically, environmentally and economically practicable and appropriate to meet the necessary quality standards for the relevant recycling sectors. To this end as a minimum paper, metal, plastic and glass shall be separately collected by 2015.

To comply with the objectives of the Directive and move towards a recycling society with a high level of resource efficiency, Member States must take the necessary measures designed to achieve the following target:

(a) by 2020, the preparing for re-use and the recycling of waste materials such as at least paper, metal, plastic and glass from households and possibly from other origins as far as shall be increased to a minimum of overall 50 % by weight. Further more the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations were published for consultation in July 2010. The draft Regulations require authorised waste collectors to ensure, as a minimum, that they provide a separate collection service from households in accordance with the following:

from 1 July 2011, for all households >50,000 population, and from 1 January 2012, for all households >1,500 population.

Authorised waste collectors must provide a separate collection service as follows;

at least once a fortnight and no less frequent than the residual waste collection service (black bin); and

may form part of services provided for segregated collection of garden/other suitable organic waste.

The draft Regulations require Local Authorities to review all waste collection permits relating to the collection of household waste and to specify conditions to ensure compliance with these Regulations by March 2011.

25.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010

25.3.1 Objectives

Significant progress has been made within the Region during the period of the Waste Plan specifically in relation to household waste collection coverage and the household waste recycling rate. Regional progress in relation to household waste collection and recycling policy objectives have been discussed below under the following headings;

Increasing Waste Collection Coverage Household Waste Collection and Recycling


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Increasing Waste Collection Coverage

The Waste Plan included a policy objective to complete surveys to determine how households not availing of a kerbside collection service are disposing of their waste. Such surveys have not been completed and should continue as a policy objective within the Region in order to establish what provisions are being utilised as an alternative to kerbside collection where applicable.

However, Cavan, Louth and Monaghan have exercised powers provided under Section 18 of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended to determine what provisions are being made by householders not participating in the collection service for the recovery or disposal of waste arising within their household. This was an objective set to encourage householders currently not participating to avail of the kerbside collection service.

The use of unauthorised waste disposal facilities was a difficulty documented within the Waste Plan. Since the adoption of the Waste Plan public awareness programmes have been promoted in the Region to encourage households not disposing of their waste through a permitted collector or to an authorised facility to do so which has been facilitated through Local Authority websites and advertising in local media. It should be noted that this is further enforced by means of the waste collection and facility permit process.

82% of occupied households are availing of a kerbside waste collection service within the North East Region. A number of factors may contribute to the limited capture rate on a Regional level however it should also be noted that disparities in household capture rates exist between the individual counties within the Region.

Monaghan and Cavan are predominantly rural, agriculturally based counties with a widely dispersed demographic, whereas Meath and Louth have intensively urbanised areas such as Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin. Monaghan has two civic amenity centres (Carrickmacross and Scotch Corner), both of which accept bagged MSW from households. As a consequence there are households in the vicinity of these sites that do not wish to make use of a kerbside collection service as they can avail of the waste services provided at these sites. It is also noted that with Monaghan being a border county there are householders that avail of waste facilities across the border such as the Tullyvar landfill/civic amenity facility near Aughnacloy situated north of Emyvale and such practices are not documented.

Regional enforcement actions have been ongoing in relation to illegal burning/dumping of waste with Section 55 notices and notices initiating proceedings issued under Section 32 of the Waste Management Act continuing to be issued in 2009

In 2009 Louth issued 79 warning letters and 10 Section 55 Notices with Court proceedings being initiated in one case. In the same year Monaghan eight enforcement actions comprising three Section 55 Notices and five proceedings under Section 32 of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended. Meath County Council issued the following enforcement actions in 2009;

6 warning letters under the Air Pollution Act 1987;

866 litter fines and 53 convictions secured in District Court for litter offences under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended; and

9 Section 55 Notices, one Section 18 Notice and 9 warning letters under the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended.


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In relation to use related charging, the payment mechanisms for kerbside collection of waste within the North East Region comprised of a number of systems in 2003.

The policy objective of the Waste Plan was to ‘require that use-related charging systems be implemented across the Region in order to support the minimisation of waste and recycling’ with a 2005 target date for implementation. The charging systems at the time of the Waste Plan and the charging systems currently in operation across the Region are detailed below.

Local Authority



Cavan Private collectors charged a flat rate according to the size of the bins and the Local Authority provided a pay-by-bag service

The majority of waste collectors operate a pay-by-use tag system. Two of the waste collectors still operate a fixed charge but are in the process of changing to a pay-by-use system using bins with chips

Louth Fixed annual charge along with a tag system

The largest waste collection companies in the County charge a fixed charge (based on bin size) though one also offers a Pay-by-weight option.

Meath Flat rate according to the size of the bins

The flat rate or fixed annual charge that is dependent on the size of the bins is still the dominant charging system. However more of the new operators are offering pay-by-use systems.

Monaghan A fixed annual charge with an additional pay-by-weight charge

Main charging system in operation is a fixed annual charge depending on the size of the bins used although one collector offers a pay by weight and a tag system.

All Regional Authorities introduced waste bye laws for household and commercial waste in 2008 which has influenced recycling progress through the requirement to avail of a separate collection system. However little have been done by way of enforcement of such bye laws within the intervening period.

Currently paper, cardboard, plastics, metals and glass are collected separately through the provision of a kerbside dry recyclable bin system, bring bank systems and Recycling Centres.

Progress has also been made in the development of the bring bank network within the Region which has increased by almost 60% during the Waste Plan period with a density of 1 per 970 households in 2009. The current bring bank density is a significant improvement on the 2003 situation but it is still short of the target density for waste management infrastructure for the Region as set out in the Waste Plan (1 per 500).

Further developments in recycling centres have also resulted in increased recycling rates within the Region. Dedicated drop off facilities for hazardous waste and WEEE have been provided at all recycling centres throughout the Region with progress also being made in relation to recycling centres accepting green waste from the public with 8 of the 11 recycling centres in the Region accepting green waste in 2009. While the Regional Local Authorities do not provide a bulky waste collection service to households provision has been made within the civic amenity/recycling centres for the acceptance of such waste.

The provision of adequate facilities for household waste recycling has been addressed within new residential developments, by the inclusion of provisions within the relevant County Development Plans


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as well as assessments within individual planning applications. Planning permissions for new residential developments ensure adequate waste recycling provisions are provided and this is implemented by way of planning condition as appropriate.

The separate collection of organic waste has also progressed in the Region during the term of the Waste Plan with 10% of occupied households having a separate kerbside collection service for organic waste which collected a total of 2,932 tonnes in 2009. Currently only one private operator provides a brown bin kerbside collection service in Meath and Louth (currently servicing Dundalk, Blackrock and Ardee). The brown bin has only recently been introduced in Monaghan and Cavan and will roll out over the counties over the coming months.

Progress in relation to the separate collection of organic waste will be further enhanced by compliance with the requirements of the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations once adopted.

25.3.2 Targets

The Waste Plan set headline indicator targets for household waste collection and recycling as follows;

Headline Indicator 2003 Performance Target

Household waste generated per household 1.46 tonnes per HH 1.5 tonnes per HH

Municipal Waste Recycling Rate 23% 43% by 2013

The above should be used in conjunction with the following local authority service indicators in order to assess performance;

Percentage of households provided with segregated waste collection Percentage of household waste recycled Recycling facilities: ▫ No. of Bring Sites, Civic Amenity Sites, Locations per 5,000 of population ▫ Tonnage of waste per 5,000 population collected for recycling

The household recycling rate for the North East Region is estimated at 33% for 2009. This represents significant progress in achieving the municipal waste recycling rate for 2013 (43%) and is well above the current national average of 26%.

The volume of household waste generated per household in the Region has reduced from 1.46 tonnes in 2003 to 1.15 tonnes in 2009 which exceeds the relevant target within the Waste Plan (1.5 tonnes). The total household waste generated per capita for the Region reduced from 0.47 tonnes to 0.38 tonnes which is in line with the 2008 national average.

The Waste Plan also set a minimum target for waste management infrastructure of 10 recycling centres within the Region. In 2009 a total of 11 recycling centres were in operation in the Region with approximately 21,123 tonnes of material collected.


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25.4 REVIEW RECOMMENDATION

While many of the objectives of the Waste Plan remain relevant, the following amendments to existing objectives as well as the introduction of new objectives are proposed within the Review to further enforce and regulate the management of household waste and to also take consideration of the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations once implemented. The following objectives should remain applicable for the proposed three year term.

Increasing Waste Collection Coverage

The Local Authorities will continue to pursue a policy of increasing the amount of household waste that is collected and treated using the following measures:

Sample surveys of households to determine how households that are not using a bin collection service are disposing of their waste.

Use powers provided under Section 18 of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended to

determine what provisions are being made by householders not participating in the collection service for the recovery or disposal of waste arising in their household. This may encourage householders currently not participating to avail of the collection service.

Develop public awareness programmes focusing on households that are not disposing of

their waste through a permitted collector or to an authorised facility.

Follow up with enforcement measures where polluting activities (burning/dumping) are identified.



Continue to require use-related charging systems in support of waste minimisation and recycling are implemented in the Region in accordance with the Polluter Pays Principle.

Maintain bye-laws specifying how householders must separate and present waste. These

bye-laws will also ensure that each household has the required waste receptacles. The bye-laws should be updated by Local Authorities as required and include fines where appropriate for non compliances. Bye-laws should take consideration of the Household Food Waste Collection Regulations once implemented.

Continue to expand the network of Bring Banks to a target density of 1 bank per 500

households. Innovative methods of siting and collection are to be employed. Existing and future bring banks should be standardised where appropriate and meet minimum service standards. . Existing facilities may be upgraded to accept additional materials.

Review all waste collection permits relating to the collection of household waste and specify

conditions to ensure compliance with the Household Food Waste Collection Regulations once implemented.

Ensure a consistent and integrated collection service is provided to householders with all

waste collection companies required to provide a complete collection service as conditioned by the Waste Collection Permitting system.


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In conjunction with the Private Sector, the Local Authorities will:

Ensure that household waste recycling is adequately addressed in all proposed new residential developments, by requiring applicants to take this into account during the Planning Application process.

Support and promote the extension and improvement of the kerbside dry recyclable service

in order to increase the quantity and quality of materials collected for recycling.

As a minimum, separate collection of paper, metal, plastic and glass shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive.

Ensure separate collection of household food waste in accordance with the requirements of

the Waste Framework Directive and the Household Food Waste Collection Regulations is implemented.

The Region continues to require use-related charging systems in accordance with Government Policy. Use-related charging acts as an incentive to support waste minimisation and recycling in accordance with the Polluter Pays Principle and reduce the volume of waste generated by the householder for disposal.

The implementation of the direct user charges further highlights the necessity for a fully integrated range of household waste collection and recycling service.

In accordance with the policy provisions of the Waste Plan the Local Authorities will continue to identify use-related charging mechanisms which are acceptable to the Region in the future.

These are as follows;

Pay by Weight System (Can include a flat rate element) Pay by Lift (bag tag or bin tag) Pay by Lift and Weight

The waste collection permits will continue to the mechanism used to implement the use-related charging system.

25.4.1 Target Recommendations

Based on the regional performance in recent years (1.12 tonnes per household), it is recommended the household waste generation target of 1.5 tonnes per household be reduced to 1.2 tonnes per household for the coming years.

In addition, based on the regional municipal waste recycling rate of 36% in 2009, it is considered that the recycling target of 43% continues to remain relevant and challenging for 2013. However for subsequent years, this target should be revised upwards with the aim of achieving a recycling rate of 50% by 2020 in line with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive.


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26 COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING


It is a continued objective of the North East Local Authorities to increase the recycling of commercial and industrial waste within the Region. Section 3.4 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to commercial waste collection and recycling within the North East Region as follows;


Work in tandem with Chambers of Commerce, IBEC and other organisations to develop information and promotion campaign (building on Race Against Waste small change business campaign). (2007)

Ensure regulation of waste producers and collection companies to require source

segregation. (2007) The waste collection permits will include a requirement for the waste collectors to provide

separate collection of dry recyclables. (2006) Adopt commercial waste bye-laws to provide for the presentation of commercial/industrial

waste in a source segregated manner. (2006)

In conjunction with the Private Sector, the Local Authorities will ensure that:

Existing Recycling Centres will where practical accept commercial waste on a fee paying basis. (2007)

Consideration will be given to the provision of new facilities which will cater for waste not

provided for in the collection system such as WEEE, C&D type waste and hazardous materials such as batteries. The cooperation of the business sector will be sought in the provision of these facilities. (2009)


National Statistics

National statistics on commercial waste collection and management are compiled by the EPA on an annual basis and present the most up to date information on commercial waste generation and management within Ireland.

The collection and management of commercial waste decreased from 1,549,075 tonnes in 2007 to 1,477,397 tonnes in 2008, a decrease of some 4.6%. Landfill of commercial waste also decreased in the period with a corresponding increase of 2% in commercial waste recovery.

See below for EPA National indicators for commercial waste collection and management;


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Commercial Waste

Indicator 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Disposal of commercial

waste (t)

601,515 603,628 634,826 601,372 813,818 758,178

Disposal rate for commercial

waste

53% 50% 51% 45% 53% 51%

Recovery of commercial

waste (t)

541,010 599,196 600,803 725,697 735,257 719,219

Recovery rate for commercial

waste

47% 50% 49% 55% 47% 49%


Legislation

Since the adoption of the Waste Plan the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations (S.I. No. 820 of 2007 as amended) have come into effect. Under the review of existing and applications for new permits, local authorities can condition separate collection systems for recyclable waste.

The 2007 Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 Regulations amended the 2006 Regulations which introduced new higher EU packaging waste recovery targets of 60% (with 55% by way of recycling) and included material-specific recycling targets, to be achieved in Ireland by end 2011.

The 2007 Packaging Regulations also introduced a range of integrated measures aimed at optimising the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland, including a reduction from 25 tonnes to 10 tonnes in the de minimis exemption.

In 2009 the DEHLG published the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations (S.I. No. 508 of 2009) which entered into force in July 2010 and impose obligations on the major producers of food waste. These Regulations are discussed in further detail in Section 27 below.

26.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005-2010

Significant progress has been made within the Region during the term of the Waste Plan specifically in relation to segregation of recyclables, reporting and enforcement.

It was a policy objective of the Waste Plan to increase the levels of collection and recycling of Commercial & Industrial Waste (C&I) by requiring waste producers and collection companies to source segregate waste through regulation and enforcement.

In addition to conditioning separate collection systems for recyclable waste under the waste collection permit system, all four local authorities in the North East Region have introduced bye laws for the storage, presentation and collection of commercial waste. These bye laws require the source segregation of waste into the following waste streams: mixed residual waste, mixed dry recyclables (paper, cardboard, metals, plastics) and organic waste.


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In 2009, it is estimated that the quantity of C&I waste generated in the Region was 161,988 tonnes. This figure is comprised primarily of packaging waste and the non-household portion of the municipal waste stream (and does not include construction and demolition waste). It is approximately 67% higher than the 2003 estimate (97,165 tonnes). Although a significant increase this is mainly attributable to increased reporting and improved accuracy of the data presented.

Over the term of the Waste Plan, recovery and recycling rates have increased from 35% to 41% for C&I waste which is slightly below the 2008 National average (49%). This is largely due to the introduction of amendments to legislation under the packaging and landfill levy regulations and bye-laws on the presentation and collection of waste.

Many of the existing Recycling Centres within the Region currently accept limited commercial waste on a fee paying basis. In Monaghan the civic amenity/MRF at Scotch Corner accepts commercial waste on a fee paying basis while the recently opened civic amenity at Carrickmacross currently only accepts waste form households. The two privately operated recycling centres in Louth do not accept any commercial waste as they have inadequate facilities to cater for additional quantities of waste from commercial premises. Facilities within Meath and Cavan accept certain types of C&I on a fee paying basis however maximum quantities apply.

Progress has also been facilitated in the Region through the development of dedicated drop off facilities for WEEE, C&D (DIY) and hazardous waste at all recycling centres throughout the Region.

The Waste Plan set a waste management infrastructure target of 10 recycling centres within the Region and this target has been exceeded with a total of 11 recycling centres in operation in the Region in 2009.


Further increases in recycling rates of commercial and industrial waste are required within the Region which includes both dry recyclables and organic waste. Policy objectives in relation to organic waste are outlined in Section 28 below. Many of the objectives of the Waste Plan remain relevant, however the following amendments to existing objectives are proposed within the Review to further enforce and regulate the management of commercial waste and to also take consideration of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations. The following objectives should remain applicable for the proposed three year term.


Work in tandem with Chambers of Commerce, IBEC and other organisations to develop information and promotion campaigns

Ensure regulation of waste producers and collection companies to require source segregation

of dry recyclables and organic waste.

Maintain commercial waste bye-laws to provide for the presentation of commercial/industrial waste in a source segregated manner. The bye-laws should be updated by Local Authorities as required and include fines where appropriate for non compliances. Bye-laws should take consideration of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations.

Waste collection permits will continue to require waste collectors to provide separate collection

of dry recyclables to its customers, in accordance with bye-law requirements.


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In conjunction with the Private Sector, the Local Authorities will ensure that:

Existing Recycling Centres will continue where practical to accept commercial waste on a fee paying basis.

Facilities to cater for commercial waste not provided for in the collection system such as

WEEE, C&D type waste and hazardous materials will continue to be developed. The cooperation of the business sector will be sought in the provision of these facilities.


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27 ORGANIC WASTE FROM COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY


It is an objective of the Waste Plan to require the collection of source segregated organic waste from commerce and industry and Section 3.5 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to organic waste from commerce and industry as follows;

The Local Authorities will ensure the following: Once treatment capacity is in place, develop bye-laws for significant food-waste producers

to source separate food waste (super-markets, hotels, restaurants, canteens). The implementation date will be signalled to collection companies well in advance. (2007)

A phased geographical roll-out will be agreed that will stream-line the resources needed to

enforce the bye-laws. (2008) Some businesses may have the space and a suitable waste stream to consider an on-site

organic treatment –e.g. vermi-composting, small-scale in-vessel composters etc. Support and information will be provided to interested companies, who would need to operate under Waste Permit. (2005 –2010). Veterinary authorisations may be required under Animal By-products legislation in certain circumstances.


The National Biodegradable Waste Strategy was published in 2006 and focuses on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) produced largely by household and commerce and investigates mechanisms of reducing BMW going to landfill in order to meet EU targets and to meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive 99/31/EC which poses restrictions on the consignment of certain waste materials to landfill.

The Strategy recognises that Material Recovery Facilities, Biological Treatment Facilities (composting and Anaerobic Digestion) and Thermal Treatment Facilities are an essential component of waste recycling infrastructure.

Following on from the Strategy, in 2009 the DEHLG published the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations (S.I. No. 508 of 2009) which entered into force on the 1st of July 2010. These Regulations impose obligations on the major producers of food waste, e.g. shops, supermarkets, state buildings, restaurants, canteens in office buildings, hotels, guest houses, hospitals, schools, train stations, ports & airports etc. Small businesses producing <50 kgs per week may seek exemption from the general requirements of the Regulations until 2011 following which all businesses will be covered by the Regulations irrespective of the amounts of food waste produced

The Regulations require food waste to be kept separate from other waste and prevents segregated food waste from being disposed of to landfill and presents three alternative options to producers:

Use of a brown bin collection service; Transport directly to a composting plant or other type of food waste recycling facility; or Use an on-site authorised composting unit

The Food Waste Regulations are enforced by respective Local Authorities who may enter premises to check that there is compliance with this legislation. Local Authorities can require businesses to explain how food waste generated at particular premises is managed. This request can take a number of


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different forms, including requiring the submission of a food waste management implementation report or annual environmental report.

In addition to the above the EPA published guidance in 2009 on municipal waste pre-treatment entitled ‘Technical Guidance Document on Municipal Solid Waste – Pre-treatment and Residuals Management’. On foot of this guidance the EPA proceeded to review the municipal waste landfill licences in the State and attach appropriate pre-treatment licence conditions. The EPA pre-treatment guidance also dealt with the required reduction in biodegradable waste to landfill arising from the EU Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC), with the first compliance date being 2010.


There has been limited progress in relation to the management of organic waste from commerce and industry within the Region during the term of the Waste Plan. Bye laws for significant food waste producers to source segregate food waste were not introduced in the Region.

The Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations (S.I. No. 508 of 2009) only came into effect in July 2010 with exemptions available to small businesses until 2011 therefore the implications of these Regulations on commercial food waste collection will not become fully apparent until after this period.

In accordance with the enforcement requirements of the Food Waste Regulations Local Authorities can now request the submission of food waste management implementation reports or annual environmental reports which will result in improved reporting of commercial organic waste management within the Region.


The following objectives are proposed within the Review to implement, enforce and regulate the management of organic waste from commerce and industry in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations;

The Local Authorities will ensure the following:

Promote food waste prevention within the Region through initiatives such as StopFoodWaste.ie, Green Business and Green Hospitality Awards.

Promote an awareness campaign for businesses working with relevant stakeholders to

inform businesses of their obligations under the relevant food waste regulations and promotion through initiatives such as foodwaste.ie.

Enforce the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations to regulate compliance and

develop reporting structures. Support the development of adequate infrastructure to treat the organic waste diverted from

landfill by supporting the development of facilities that are consistent with the overall objectives if the Plan and support the development of outlets for the products of such treatment.

Some businesses may have the space and a suitable waste stream to consider an on-site

organic treatment –e.g. vermi-composting, small-scale in-vessel composters etc. Support and information will be provided to interested companies, who would need to operate under Waste Permit. (2005 –2010). Veterinary authorisations may be required under Animal By-products legislation in certain circumstances


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Producers will ensure the following;

Manage food waste in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations and ensure separation of food waste from other waste

Implement awareness, record keeping and reporting

Sufficient treatment capacity will need to be developed for commercial as well as household organic waste generated within the Region.


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28 MATERIALS RECOVERY CAPACITY


The Regional Local Authorities required that private collectors operating within the Region possess the necessary facilities to sort and recover those materials collected from householders, business and industry. The Waste Plan also documented the requirement for further Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for the management of household, commercial and industrial waste generated within the Region. Section 3.6 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to materials recovery capacity within the Region as follows;

The Local Authorities will ensure:

Private collectors have access to facilities required to sort and recover materials. (2005 – 2010)


The Waste Plan specified minimum targets for waste management infrastructure as follows;

MRFs/Transfer Stations

Current Status Target

Currently 4 privately operated MRF’s service the North East Region. 4 Waste Transfer Stations (3 licensed and 1 permitted) are also in operation in the Region

2 Central MRFs and 4 Transfer Stations

As outlined above the North East Region was served by 4 privately operated MRF’s and 4 transfer stations in 2003. In 2009, the number of MRF’s remained at 4 while the number of transfer stations increased to 10 all of which are privately operated.

The policy objective of the waste plan was to rationalise the number of MRF’s/Transfer Stations in order to optimise a number of centralised facilities to serve the needs of the Region.


It is proposed to revise the target from 2 Centralised MRFs and 4 transfer stations to 4 MRFs and 10 transfer stations in line with facilities currently in operation in the Region.


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29 BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT


The Waste Plan prioritises the development of biological treatment of separately collected organic waste produced by households and industry. Biological treatment capacity is an essential requirement if the Region is to meet the recycling targets of the Waste Plan as well as EU and national landfill diversion targets for biodegradable waste.

Section 3.7 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to biological treatment capacity within the Region as follows; The Local Authorities will ensure:

The provision of Green Waste Composting facilities for garden and landscaping waste. Two to three facilities are encouraged with capacity up to 10,000 tonnes/annum. (2006 – 2007)

The development of Biowaste Treatment Plants to treat source-separated organic waste

from households, businesses and industry. (2007)


The National Biodegradable Waste Strategy was published in 2006 and focuses on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) produced largely by household and commerce and investigates mechanisms for reducing BMW going to landfill in order to meet EU targets and to meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive 99/31/EC which poses restrictions on the consignment of certain waste materials to landfill.

The Strategy is based on the integrated waste management approach established as Government policy since the publication of Changing Our Ways in 1998. The preferred options for dealing with BMW are:

prevention and minimisation – avoiding generating the waste

recycling – mainly of paper and cardboard but also of textiles

biological treatment – mainly of kitchen and garden waste including composting

residual treatment – thermal treatment with energy recovery or by way of mechanical-biological treatment.


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The Strategy sets specific objectives for the contributions that each of these measures will make to the achievement of the 2016 target for diversion of BMW from landfill. It proposes that, by 2016, recycling (principally of paper and cardboard waste which cannot be reused) will divert 875,371 tonnes (38.6%) from landfill with biological treatment (mainly food and garden waste) contributing 442,129 tonnes (19.5%) to the overall target with thermal treatment diverting 499,762 tonnes (22%) of residual waste The Biodegradable Waste Strategy also outlined proposed indicators and initiatives one of which relates to colour coding of waste recycling receptacles in order to;

facilitate the public in matching the bin with the waste stream; make advertising of recycling more cost effective; signal to the neighbourhood – through the presence on the pavement of a certain colour of

receptacle – that a particular type of collection is imminent; facilitate people moving from one area to another; and aid in raising overall awareness of

recycling.

The following system was proposed as a National Standard series of colours for all waste recycling containers to be included within Waste Plan reviews and the review of waste collection permits.


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Switching to the new colour scheme may create some difficulty in areas where existing coloured bins are in place, therefore the above should be implemented in the Region where practicable (e.g. the roll out of the third bin in compliance with the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations should be brown in accordance with the recommendation of the Strategy)

In addition to the above the EPA published guidance in 2009 on municipal waste pre-treatment entitled ‘Technical Guidance Document on Municipal Solid Waste – Pre-treatment and Residuals Management’. On foot of this guidance the EPA proceeded to review the municipal waste landfill licences in the State and attach appropriate pre-treatment licence conditions. The EPA pre-treatment guidance also dealt with the required reduction in biodegradable waste to landfill arising from the EU Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC), the first compliance date being July 2010.

The document requires operators to demonstrate via waste acceptance policy (established by licence conditions) that waste accepted has been subjected to appropriate pre-treatment which includes the following;

For report years 2010, 2011 & 2012, a maximum of 40% by weight of MSW accepted at the landfill facility for disposal shall comprise BMW

For report years 2013, 2014 & 2015, a maximum of 24% by weight of MSW accepted at the

landfill facility for disposal shall comprise BMW

For report year 2016, and subsequent years, a maximum of 15% by weight of MSW accepted at the landfill facility for disposal shall comprise BMW.

The EPA have since indicated that the % limit for report years 2010 to 2012 will be 47% and 30% for years 2013 – 2016. The EPA have published pre-determined factors for the BMW content of various waste streams based on their type, origin and degree of pre-treatment.

See additional national progress under Section 27.2 above.


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Biodegradable Municipal Waste

Original figures based on the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy, estimated that the maximum allowable BMW to landfill was 62,924 tonnes however following further municipal waste characterisation studies carried out on behalf of the EPA biodegradability factors were revised which have resulted in a revised Maximum BMW allowed to landfill estimate of 66,797 tonnes.

The estimated quantity of BMW generated in the North East Region in 2009 (using appropriate biodegradability factors as outlined in the National Waste Report 2008) was 210,858 tonnes of which approximately 126,563 tonnes was consigned to landfill.

However it should be noted that a significant volume of waste generated outside the Region was also landfilled within the Region which resulted in a combined total of 226,389 tonnes of BMW consigned to landfill in the Region in 2009. This represents a significant increase of 168% above 2003 figures (84,500 tonnes).

Target Year

Revised Maximum BMW allowed to landfill (tonnes) BMW generated

and consigned to Landfill in NE

2009

BMW consigned to landfill in NE Region 2009

Landfill Directive

EPA Pre-treatment Guidance

2010 66,797 86,500 Note 1 126,563 226,389 2013 44,531 -

2016 31,172 - Note 1: Based on 2009 waste status From the above it is evident that significant progress is required in order to meet the requirements of the landfill diversion targets. Significant progress is also required to meet the EPA pre-treatment guidance targets, however it is not possible to quantify this at present as it is dependant on the quantity of municipal waste accepted for disposal at individual landfill facilities, pre-treatment methods applied and waste diverted to the Carranstown incinerator.

The Waste Plan set the following headline indicator target for landfilling of BMW as follows;


Tonnage of biodegradable waste landfilled

54% 24% of BMW produced in 2009 to landfill

210,858 tonnes of BMW was generated within the Region in 2009 of which 126,563 tonnes was consigned to landfill. This equates to 60% of BMW generated within the Region in 2009 being landfilled which is well in excess of the target as outlined within the Waste Plan.

However it should also be noted that the incineration facility at Carranstown, Co. Meath will provide additional diversion capacity when commissioned in 2011.


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Organic and Food Waste Treatment Infrastructure

In 2003 there were two permitted green waste composting facilities within the Region and this continues to be the case in 2009 with two dedicated green waste composting facilities in operation with a combined capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum.

Progress has been made in relation to Recycling Centres accepting green waste from the public with 8 of the 11 Recycling Centres in the Region accepting green waste in 2009.

The Waste Plan specified minimum targets for waste management infrastructure as follows;

Biological Treatment


Currently no facility has been provided Central Biological Treatment Facility for treatment of organic kitchen waste

The Waste Plan estimated that a minimum of 30,000 tonnes of biowaste treatment capacity was required for the Region to meet the Biodegradable Municipal Waste Strategy targets.

In 2003, there was no Regional biological treatment facility however in 2009, 4 biological treatment facilities were operational with a combined licensed capacity of approximately 75,800 -80,800 tonnes per annum. Not all of this capacity is built out. Approximately 48,800 tonnes of organic waste was biologically treated at these facilities in 2009.

In addition there were three mushroom composting facilities with a combined capacity of 25,600 tonnes per annum and additional sludge capacity to treat 10,000 tpa in the Region in 2009.


Biodegradable Municipal Waste

The North East Region will implement the recommendations of the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy and the requirements of the EPA’s Technical Guidance Document on Municipal Solid Waste – Pre-treatment and Residuals Management. Policies have already been set out within the Waste Plan and subsequent review to achieve the above requirements a number of which have been summarised below;

Include prevention and minimisation of BMW in Regional waste prevention programme. Separate collection of BMW from households and commerce in accordance with the

requirements of the Waste Framework Directive and the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations once implemented and the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations.

Increase recycling rates for household and commercial dry recyclables

Support the development of dedicated green waste facilities as well as provision of dedicated

green waste acceptance facilities at all waste recycling centres.


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Implement the colour coding recommendations of the National Biodegradable Waste

Strategy where practicable

Support the development of infrastructure to adequately treat BMW diverted from landfill and support the development of facilities that can be shown to be consistent with the overall objectives of the plan and have regard to the principles of good siting.

Support the development of end-markets for compost and digestate including engaging with

the rx3 programme and other national initiatives.

Organic and Food Waste Infrastructure

The following objectives are proposed within the Review in order to take account of the treatment capacity requirements following the enforcement of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations. Consideration is also given to the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations.

Green Waste Capacity;

Support the provision of green waste facilities for garden and landscaping waste with a capacity up to 10,000 tonnes/annum.

To ensure where practicable, all household waste recycling centres are equipped with

facilities for the collection of garden waste Promote maximum quality and end use options for compost from green waste.

Biowaste Treatment;

Support the development of Biowaste Treatment Plants such as composting and digestion facilities to treat source-separated organic waste from households, businesses and industry.

Support the development of outlets for the products from biowaste treatment

The EPA also published a discussion paper entitled Hitting the Targets for Biodegradable Municipal Waste, Ten Options for Change in 2008. The paper noted that the delivery of the Landfill Directive and National Biodegradable Waste Strategy targets for the organic fraction of biodegradable municipal waste (OFBMW) is behind schedule.

In order to comply with the Landfill Directive’s 2016 target means that the country must develop additional capacity to manage upwards of 1 million tonnes of OFBMW. The paper suggests the following ten possible public policy interventions to encourage changes in management practices.

1. Promote at-source composting

2. Expand R&D for at-source composting

3. Ban the landfill of untreated municipal waste

4. Increase the landfill levy

5. Undertake market research for treated OFBMW products


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6. Provide a subsidy for the treatment of OFBMW

7. Develop and assign responsibility for a national waste management plan

8. Develop guidance on waste infrastructure and contaminated sites

9. Develop stabilised biowaste standards

10. Encourage green procurement and undertake marketing of OFBMW products

The above should be considered in conjunction with the policy objectives of the Waste Plan in order to further progress developments in achieving the Landfill Directive targets, the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy targets and the EPA Pre-treatment guideline targets.

It should also be noted that due to the significant volumes of agricultural waste generated within the Region, there may be potential for synergies to develop capacity to treat municipal and agricultural wastes.

Furthermore, it was also a policy of the Waste Plan to allow flexibility in the types of biological treatment provided with the onus being placed on the developer to provide sufficient details at procurement and planning stages to ensure the development of sustainable facilities to the highest environmental standards.

It is recommended that the target for biological treatment infrastructure should be for the development of biological treatment facilities for the treatment of source segregated municipal organic waste with a combined capacity of approximately 100,000 tonnes.


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30 ENERGY RECOVERY


The provision of thermal treatment capacity was seen as a critical objective of the Waste Plan in order to provide a more sustainable option for residual waste management. Section 3.8 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to energy recovery capacity within the Region as follows;

Having regard to the wastes now arising in the North East Region, it is an objective of this Plan to develop a Thermal Treatment Plant with a capacity of 150,000 - 200,000 tonnes per annum. (2007/8)

Note:

Planning permission and a waste licence have been granted for the development of a facility to treat 150,000 tonnes of non hazardous household, commercial and industrial waste per annum.

The Regional Local Authorities also noted that they would be receptive to other thermal treatment options and the use of other fuel sources such as meat and bone meal (MBM) and spent mushroom compost.


The Waste Plan specified minimum targets for waste management infrastructure and headline indicator targets as follows;

Thermal Treatment


1 facility planned for the Region with a capacity of 150,000 tonnes per annum

Thermal Treatment Capacity for 200 – 300,000 tonnes per annum.


Energy Recovery Rate 0% 39%

In 2005 this objective was well advanced with planning permission and an EPA Waste Licence granted for the operation of a thermal treatment facility at Carranstown in County Meath.

Since the publication of the Waste Plan additional planning permission has been granted to increase capacity to a maximum of 200,000 tonnes per annum.


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The waste licence is currently under review by the EPA. The Agency is currently reviewing the licence for the facility and will adjudicate on all licence related modifications. Construction of the facility began in September 2009 and is due for completion in late 2011.


The recommended policy objective of the Review remains in line with that presented within the Waste Plan;

The energy recovery objective as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant therefore following the Review it is recommended that the objective of the Waste Plan remains unchanged with an amendment to the target date as follows;

Having regard to the wastes now arising in the North East Region, it is an objective of this Plan to develop a Thermal Treatment Plant with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum. (2011)

Incineration facilities shall apply the formula specified in Annex II of the Waste Framework Directive in order determine its classification as a waste recovery facility.

Note:

Construction of the facility began in September 2009 and is due for completion in mid 2011 to treat a maximum of 200,000 tonnes of non hazardous household, commercial and industrial waste per annum.

The North East Local Authorities note the importance of ensuring the introduction of thermal treatment does not provide a disincentive to recycling in the Region and in conjunction with the EPA will continue to exercise their statutory powers to ensure the objectives and targets as set out within the Waste Plan are met.

Following the Review it is recommended that the infrastructure and headline indicator targets for energy recovery remain valid.


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31 LANDFILL DISPOSAL


The Waste Plan envisaged landfill having a diminishing role in the management of the Region’s waste with increases in recycling rates and the introduction of biological and thermal treatment facilities within the Region. Until such time as these facilities are developed, landfill will continue to play a substantial role in the management of the Region’s waste. Section 3.9 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to landfill disposal within the Region as follows;


Continue to pursue a policy of rationalisation of landfills in the long term. They will continue to ensure that all landfills are operated to the highest international standards in accordance with waste licenses issued by the EPA. (Ongoing)

The long term objective of the Waste Plan is to reduce the percentage of the Region’s waste stream going to landfill disposal to 18%. It currently stands at 57%.


In 2009 the EPA published guidance on municipal waste pre-treatment entitled ‘Technical Guidance Document on Municipal Solid Waste – Pre-treatment and Residuals Management’ which sets standards for minimum acceptable pre-treatment for MSW accepted at landfilling. The guidance was published to assist in the delivery of Ireland’s obligations under; Waste Framework Directive (2006/12/EC), Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC), IPPC Directive (96/61/EC) and the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy (DoEHLG, 2006).

The document requires operators to demonstrate via waste acceptance policy (established by licence conditions) that waste accepted has been subjected to appropriate pre-treatment which includes the following;

For report years 2010, 2011 & 2012, a maximum of 40% by weight of MSW accepted at the landfill facility for disposal shall comprise BMW

For report years 2013, 2014 & 2015, a maximum of 24% by weight of MSW accepted at the

landfill facility for disposal shall comprise BMW For report year 2016, and subsequent years, a maximum of 15% by weight of MSW accepted

at the landfill facility for disposal shall comprise BMW

As noted however the EPA have since indicated that the % limit for report years 2010 to 2012 will be 47% ,30% for years 2013 - 2016 and have published pre-determined factors for the BMW content of various waste streams based on their type, origin and degree of pre-treatment.


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On foot of this guidance the EPA proceeded to review the municipal waste landfill licences in the State and attach appropriate pre-treatment licence conditions.


The number of landfill facilities in operation in the Region has steadily decreased over the last number of years. In 1999 there were 9 facilities in operation and by 2005 the number of facilities had been consolidated to 4 with a 5th landfill facility under development (C&D only). During the term of the Waste Plan there have been no further developments in relation to the number of landfills in operation within the Region.

If disposal to landfill were to continue at the 2009 rate of approximately 315,000 tonnes per annum, there is approximately 13 years landfill capacity remaining within the Region – enough capacity to last to 2023.


The landfill disposal objective as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant therefore following the Review it is recommended that the objective of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

The long term objective of the Waste Plan is to reduce landfill disposal to 18%.


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32 FORMER WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECOVERY SITES


Section 3.9 of the Waste Plan specifies the objectives adopted by the North East Region as regards former waste disposal sites. It states:

The Local Authorities will carry out their responsibilities under Sections 22(7)(h) and 26(2)(C) of the Waste Management Act regarding former waste disposal sites as follows:

Develop a GIS based Waste Disposal and Recovery Site Database using current available records. Any gaps in information should be filled from in-house records or knowledge without recourse to site investigations. A protocol for maintaining and updating the database is agreed for the four Local Authorities. (2006)

Commence the process of preparing a Section 26 Register. This should address Stages 1

– 5 of the EPA methodology and will not involve physical site investigation, but will set out a priority order for further risk assessment of sites. All potential hazardous waste generation activities to be included. Completed report will establish Section 26 Register. (2006)

Once published, the forthcoming EPA Code of Practice must be consulted for the purpose

of conducting risk assessments at identified sites. Stages 6 and Stage 7: Site Specific Risk Assessment to be carried out on priority sites

with a view to determining environmental impacts and the requirement for remediation if any. (2008)

Once the Waste Disposal Site Database and the Section 26 Register are created, they

need to be updated on an ongoing basis. This should be done in conjunction with the Annual Report on waste management. (2006)


In 2007 the EPA published a code of practice entitled ‘Code of Practice Environmental Risk Assessment for unregulated waste disposal sites’. The Code of Practice (CoP) was developed to assist Local Authorities in complying with the requirements of Section 22 of the Waste Management Act (WMA) 1996 as amended, the Ministerial Direction (WIR04/05) and any potential subsequent regulations. It was produced to ensure a consistent approach by Local Authorities to environmental risk assessments of former waste disposal or recovery sites and in particular, to the assessment of the environmental impact and remediation options for historic unregulated waste disposal sites.

In 2008, the DEHLG introduced the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations (S.I. No. 524 of 2008). These Regulations apply to each closed landfill identified at which waste disposal or recovery activities were carried on without a waste licence. Under this Regulation Local Authorities are required to identify and register closed landfills in addition to the following requirements:

Each Local Authority shall identify by 30 June 2009 all closed landfills within its functional area.


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Each Local Authority shall have regard to the reporting requirements of Chapter 8 of the Code of Practice and maintain a register of all closed landfills identified by it (pursuant to Regulation 5(1)), which shall be revised and updated as necessary and at least once in each period of twelve months thereafter.

The Local Authority must carry out an assessment of the risk of environmental pollution in respect of all closed landfills identified pursuant to Regulation.


Section 5.3.3 of the Waste Plan identified actions required by each Local Authority in terms of former waste disposal sites and potential hazardous waste sites while also specifying target dates for implementing such actions. The following table details progress made by each Local Authority in achieving the specified objectives and targets.

Table 33.1 Requirements Regarding Former Waste Disposal Sites and Potential Hazardous Policies

Action Target Monaghan Cavan Louth

1

Local Authorities develop GIS based Waste Disposal and Recovery Site Database using current available records. Any gaps in information should be filled from in-house records or knowledge without recourse to site investigations. A protocol for maintaining and updating the database is agreed for the four Local Authorities. Refer to Section 22 (7) (c) of the Waste Management Acts, 1996-2003.

End 2006 Ongoing Complete

No GIS based

database was set up.

Local Authorities commence the process of preparing Section 26 Register. This should address Stages 1 – Stage 5 of the EPA methodology and will not involve physical site investigation, but will set out a priority order for further risk assessment of sites. All potential hazardous waste generation activities to be included. Completed Report will establish Section 26 Register.

End 2006

No work carried out on Section 26 register

to date

Complete

No Section 26 register has been set up as there are

no hazardous

waste sites.

3

Stage 6 and Stage 7– Site Specific Risk Assessment to be carried out on priority sites with a view to determining environmental impacts and the requirement for remediation if any. (Subject to funding)

End of 2008

Not Completed

Partially complete N/A

4

Once the Waste Disposal Site Database and the Section 26 Register are created, they need to be updated on an ongoing basis. This should be done in conjunction with Annual Report on waste management plan.

2006 onwards

Not Completed

Process in place N/A

Information was not obtained for County Meath


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Monaghan In accordance with Section 22 of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended, Monaghan County Council identified all post-1977 Local Authority landfill sites in the County. Details relating to 9 sites have been entered onto the register (5 old Local Authority landfill sites; 2 old privately operated landfill sites; one hazardous site and one large scale illegal landfill. A Phase 1 assessment has been carried out in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice on the 5 Local Authority landfill sites and these have been entered into the EPA Section 22 register. A Phase 2 assessment has also been carried out on one of these sites under a DEHLG pilot project and Monaghan County Council are hopeful of proceeding to a Phase 3 assessment in 2011 should sufficient funding be available. Cavan Cavan County Council is implementing the requirements of the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicenced Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations on an ongoing basis. Cavan County Council has recorded 14 historic landfill sites on the Section 22 Register. Tier 1 risk assessments have been carried out on all 14 of the sites. Funding has been received from the DEHLG for a Tier 2 exploratory investigation. The funding is part of a pilot project to advance the risk assessment process with the ultimate goal of site remediation and EPA registration.

Louth In accordance with Section 22 of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended, Louth County Council identified four historical Local Authority landfill sites. The Section 22 register was set up in 2000 and is under constant review. No Section 26 register has been set up as there are no hazardous waste sites. A Tier 1 assessment has been carried out in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice on three of the Section 22 sites. A Tier 2 assessment has been conducted on the remaining site.

The commencement of Tier 3 assessments is dependent on budgets and availability of staff resources.

The challenge facing each of the Local Authorities is the sourcing of the expenditure required in order to meet the requirements specified above.


While many of the objectives of the Waste Plan remain relevant, the following amendments to existing objectives as well as the introduction of new objectives are proposed within the Review to enforce and regulate former waste disposal and recovery sites in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice, Ministerial Direction (WIR04/05) and the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations. The following objectives should remain applicable for the proposed three year term unless an individual target date is specified.


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The Local Authorities will carry out their responsibilities under Sections 22(7)(h) and 26(2)(C) of the Waste Management Act regarding former waste disposal sites as follows:

Identify all known Waste Disposal and Recovery Sites and compile within Section 22 Register

Develop a GIS based Database to manage records in relation to Waste Disposal and

Recovery Sites. Agree a protocol for maintaining and updating the database for the four Local Authorities.

Compile and maintain a Section 26 Register. Updating of Waste Disposal Site Database and

Section 26 Register should be done in conjunction with the Annual Progress Report on waste management.

Stages 6 and Stage 7: Site Specific Risk Assessment to be carried out on priority sites in

accordance with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal with a view to determining environmental impacts and the requirement for remediation if any. (2011)

Comply with and enforce the requirements of the Waste Management (Certification of

Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations.


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33 POLICY ON INTER-REGIONAL WASTE MOVEMENT


Government policy recognised the restrictions enforced on Regions by the literal interpretation of the proximity principle by a number of planning authorities and the North East Region took consideration of Government policy and direction within the objectives of the Waste Plan. Section 3.10 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives for the inter-regional movement of waste within the North East Region as follows;

The Waste Plan recognises that there should be flexibility with respect to the movement of waste across regional boundaries. In broad terms the capacity of waste facilities in the Region should primarily satisfy the needs of the Region whilst not precluding inter regional movement of waste and allowing flexibility to cater for the development of required national infrastructure. (2005 – 2010)


The policy direction issued by the Minister of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2005 under Section 60 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended) with respect to the movement of waste, continues to apply.

Regional waste co-operation is currently in place with waste movement and transfer between the North East and neighbouring regions in accordance with the policy objective outlined within the Waste Plan. The co-ordination and movement of waste to and from Regions, particularly for recycling and recovery operations, is an accepted practice as long as it adheres to all relevant regulations and legislation.


The policy objective on inter regional waste movement as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant therefore following the Review it is recommended that the objective of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

The Waste Plan recognises that there should be flexibility with respect to the movement of waste across regional boundaries. In broad terms the capacity of waste facilities in the Region should primarily satisfy the needs of the Region whilst not precluding inter regional movement of waste and allowing flexibility to cater for the development of required national infrastructure


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34 CROSS BORDER POLICY

34.1.1 Policy Objectives and Targets

Section 3.10.1 of the Waste Plan identifies the cross border policy objectives within the North East Region as follows; It is the policy of the Local Authorities in the Region to develop possibilities for cooperation with their counterparts in Northern Ireland. In particular the opportunities for utilising waste recovery facilities to cater for waste generated in the North East Region or Northern Ireland will be examined.

34.1.2 National Progress 2005-2010

EU Regulation 1013/2006 on transfrontier shipments of waste set out new notification procedures whilst specifying revised waste listings and strengthening enforcement provisions in relation to waste movements within, into and out of the EU. This Regulation is supported in Irish law through Statutory Instruments under the Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations, S.I. 419 of 2007.

All EU member states have designated a national competent authority, responsible for implementing both EU and National Transfrontier Shipment Regulations (TFS) Regulations within their jurisdiction.

Under the Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007, Dublin City Council is nominated as the competent authority of dispatch in respect of the export of waste, the competent authority of destination in respect of the import of waste, and the competent authority of transit in respect of any waste shipments transiting through the Irish State.

All transfrontier shipments of waste originating in any local authority area within the State since 2007, which are subject to the prior written notification procedures must be notified to and through Dublin City Council at the National TFS Office.

The Regulations apply to waste which is:

exported from the Republic of Ireland to EU Member States in transit through the EU exported from the Republic of Ireland to countries outside the Community imported into the Republic of Ireland from EU Member States imported into the Republic of Ireland from countries outside the Community

Repatriation of Waste

In June 2009, a framework agreement was reached between the Environment Department’s of both Northern Ireland and Ireland in relation to the repatriate waste which originated in the Republic but which was illegally disposed of in Northern Ireland in earlier years. This agreement was reached in order to meet the requirements of the EU waste shipment legislation for the proper treatment of such wastes.

The framework itself derives from a ‘road map’ agreed by both jurisdictions in relation to co-operation in dealing with illegal waste movements, both current and historical, which was endorsed by Ministers from both jurisdictions in October 2007 and by the EU Commision.


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This agreement, builds on underpinned a high level of co-operation between Ireland and Northern Ireland in dealing with illegal activity and ensuring the implementation of the ‘polluter pays’ principle and bringing to justice those who caused the illegal deposition.

Under the agreement the costs of disposing of the waste will be met by the Irish Government together with 80% of the costs of removing the waste from Northern Ireland. In addition 2 sites were identified as priority sites whereby approximately 14,000 tonnes of waste must be removed. These are located in counties Fermanagh and Tyrone. The agreement will also form the basis for action in respect of another 18 suspect sites.

The NIEA estimates that up to 250,000 tonnes of municipal and commercial waste from Ireland was illegally deposited at 20 sites in Northern Ireland between October 2002 and the end of 2004.

A major step up in waste enforcement efforts have been made in Ireland in recent years since the establishment of the Office of Environment Enforcement in October 2003. The OEE leads an Enforcement Network which coordinates enforcement in Ireland and over €7.4m is being provided to local authorities around the country to support continuing waste enforcement with some 120 waste enforcement officers on the ground. With the consolidation of the administration of Transfrontier Shipments of Waste to the National TFS Office (Dublin City Council) more targeted enforcement efforts in conjunction with NIEA have lead to a major reduction in illegal activity

In Northern Ireland the NIEA is actively targeting those involved in illegal dumping via a dedicated Environmental Crime Team. Of the prosecutions taken to date, over 70 cases have involved waste from Ireland. This has resulted in a number of fines, and in 4 cases prison sentences, being imposed on landowners allowing Irish waste to be dumped on their land. Cases are still ongoing. Removal of this material commenced in 2010.

34.1.3 Regional Progress 2005 - 2010

A study entitled Waste Management in the Interreg Cross Border Region from an SME Perspective completed on behalf of IBEC/CBI was prepared in 2004 and published in 2005. The aim of this study was to assess the current waste management practices being undertaken by Local Authorities and the waste industry within the Cross Border Region. This led to the identification of opportunities for Local Authorities and the Private Sector to build upon the experiences and waste management practices being implemented both in Northern Ireland and in Republic of Ireland however there has been little or no development of such opportunities within the Region during the term of the Waste Plan.

In relation to cross border movements of waste, all transfrontier shipments of waste originating in any local authority within the Region which are subject to the prior written notification procedures are being notified to and through Dublin City Council at the National TFS Office.

The North East Regional Local Authorities remain in regular contact with their Northern Ireland counterparts in relation to illegal cross border waste movements and ongoing enforcement of such activities is conducted in conjunction with the Gardai and PSNI.

34.1.4 Review Recommendation

In light of the ongoing enforcement activities on illegal cross border movements of waste the following policy objective is proposed; It is the policy of the Local Authorities in the Region to pursue close cooperation with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on regulation and enforcement in conjunction with the Environmental Enforcement, the Gardai and their Northern Ireland counterparts.


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35 ILLEGAL WASTE ACTIVITIES


Section 3.11 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives for the management of illegal waste activities within the North East Region.

The primary obligation of a Local Authority when illegal waste activity is discovered is to ensure that: The waste is recovered or disposed of, in the shortest practicable time, without endangering the environment or human health and without using processes and methods which could harm the environment. In particular, all hazardous waste which is detected shall be removed and recyclable material shall be removed unless it can be shown that there are alternative environmentally sustainable options. Each case needs to be examined on a case by case basis to determine the advantages of removal versus leaving the waste in situ. Certain sites should at all times be remediated such as:

lands proximate to existing or planned residential development or educational facilities, in which case remediation shall require the removal, in the shortest practicable time, of all waste except only where it is shown that an alternative solution provides greater protection to the environment and the health of the local population;

wetlands, Natural Heritage Areas, Candidate Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas; places of special interest such as high amenity areas.

The Local Authorities will: Establish a ‘Complaints Investigation Protocol’ and Investigate unauthorised sites. In this regard, illegal holders of waste will be pursued to the maximum potential sanctions available in law. In this regard, prosecutions should be taken in all cases using the powers available under the Waste Management Act as amended, or other relevant legislation to maximise the deterrent factor.


In July 2008, a Ministerial Policy Direction was issued from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to Enforcement Actions & Penalties (WPRR: 04/08) The policy direction, issued under Section 60 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (WMA), complements a Section 60 direction issued in May 2005 on taking action against illegal waste activity (WIR: 04/05) The July 2008 policy direction is aimed at strengthening the Irish enforcement system in order to meet the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive.

The 2008 direction specifically requires the EPA and Local Authorities to prepare an enforcement policy in respect of unauthorized waste activities, which should encourage and promote the following objectives:

Ensure that effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions are imposed in a reasonable timescale, against those involved in unauthorised waste activities;

Provide a coherent approach to sanctions and their use; Ensure unauthorised waste activities are subjected to sanctions and not only actions aimed at

their cessation; Encourage actions at the highest appropriate level and particularly at Circuit or High Court

level to ensure that the sanction is commensurate with the non-compliance; and


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Ensure the imposition of the landfill levy for illegally landfilled waste.

In 2009, the EPA published a code of practice entitled ‘Code of Practice for the Development of an Enforcement Policy for Unauthorised Waste Activities’ (CoP) to meet this requirement.

The CoP supports and promotes systematic and consistent enforcement actions against illegal waste operators by regulators which in turn aims to aid enforcers in delivering effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions against such operators.

The CoP details the approach, factors and considerations that should be taken into account when developing an enforcement policy for unauthorised waste activities.

It details the objectives that should be pursued by environmental regulators, which include specific targets and actions along with a set of performance indicators that can be used to measure the effectiveness of enforcement activities.

The document highlights a general statement of intent by the offender is not satisfactory if not supported by a clear plan of action.


In accordance with the Policy objective, Local Authorities in the North East Region thoroughly investigate all complaints and allegations in relation to illegal waste disposal activities as promptly as possible. Complaints in relation to illegal waste activities are given high priority and are promptly investigated. In doing so the investigating parties take due cognisance of all relevant Ministerial Directions issued, the EPA’s Code of Practice for Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites and the EPA’s Code of Practice for the Development of an Enforcement Policy for Unauthorised Waste Activities. In addition the Local Authorities have gone a step further by developing standard operating procedures for investigating complaints. The procedures developed by Cavan County Council include a checklist to ensure all items necessary for the investigation are reviewed during inspection as well as procedures in relation to record keeping and reporting. Louth County Council also have similar procedures in place for handling complaints, record keeping and investigations while Monaghan County Council has developed an Environmental Policy for dealing with illegal waste activities. Local Authorities in the Region prepare investigation reports and take necessary actions including sanctions and penalties such as warning letters, statutory notices and legal action against offenders. In 2009 the following waste related sanctions and prosecutions were initiated by Local Authorities in the Region;

Over 79 warning letters were issued.

10 Section 55 Waste Management Act notices were issued.

2 prosecutions for non-compliance with Section 55 notices were issued.

4 prosecutions under Section 32 of Waste Management Act were initiated.

1 prosecution under Section 39 of Waste Management Act was issued.


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Local Authorities also liaise and engage outside agencies such as the Gardaí, EPA and other State Agencies as required.

Illegal diesel laundering operations have been a long standing problem in border counties generating hazardous by-products from the washing process. During the term of the Waste Plan there appears to have been a significant reduction which may be attributed to increased enforcement by Revenue, PSNI and Gardai but may also be attributable to the availability of low sulphur diesel. Enforcement of such operations continues to be a priority within the border counties.

Furthermore, Louth County Council engaged a specialist company to handle and transport diesel wastes discarded at roadside locations in border areas. Waste which is discarded in over barrelled containers is transported to the Council’s depot where it is decanted into new intermediate bulk containers, stored and transported to Dublin for export to Germany for the recovery of acid and use as fuel in kilns.


The policy objective in relation to illegal waste activities as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant with progress in achieving such objectives ongoing; therefore following the Review it is recommended that the objective of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

As outlined in the Waste Plan, particular emphasis should continue to be placed on the enforcement of illegal diesel laundering operations in the border counties of Louth and Monaghan and the dumping of hazardous by products associated with this activity.


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36 POLICY FOR COST RECOVERY

36.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES

The Waste Plan envisaged the local authorities expanding the range of recycling and recovery facilities within the Region to cater primarily for households which would incur significant investment. In the interests of cost recovery and of conformity with the Polluter Pays Principle, and given the nature of the financial deficit foreseen for the term of the Waste Plan, the Local Authorities in the Region outlined objectives to recover operating costs from users of such facilities.

Section 3.12 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives outlined within the Waste Plan to improve levels of cost recovery within the Region in keeping with the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ as follows; In the interests of cost recovery and of conformity with the Polluter Pays Principle, the Local Authorities in the Region must be able to recover operating costs from the users of these facilities. This may be done in a number of ways, such as gate fees or through the waste collection permitting system. The local authorities will in future when granting permits encourage the waste collectors to provide their own Materials Recovery Facilities or least demonstrate that they have access to such facilities.

Additional objectives in this regard include the following:

Increasing cost recovery for functions such as regulation and enforcement It is an objective to seek more financial support from industry under industry’s producer

responsibility obligation, regarding packaging but also other materials and sectors and under the polluter pays principle.

It is an objective that the full cost of collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste - less the revenue from recyclables - will be recovered from producers of packaging materials as defined in the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997, as amended.

Aiming to achieve full cost recovery of facilities for collection, recycling, energy recovery and disposal.

Maximise grant assistance from the Governments Environment Fund for appropriate schemes or other grant assistance that may become available from national or EU sources.

Using appropriate economic instruments (example would be plastic bag levy) to achieve sustainable waste management.


Progress has been made on a National level in relation to the use of appropriate economic instruments. Such economic instruments include the plastic bag and landfill levies.

The plastic bag levy was first introduced in 2002 at the rate of 15 cent per bag. Its primary purpose was to reduce the consumption of disposable plastic bags by influencing consumer behaviour with the levies being remitted into the Environment Fund.

It had an immediate effect on consumer behaviour with a decrease in plastic bag usage from an estimated 328 bags per capita to 21 bags per capita. The current levy of 22 cent was introduced in 2007 with the aim of reducing the plastic bag per capita usage to 21 or lower.

The 2007 Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations amended the 2006 Regulations and consolidated the current suite of packaging regulations while also including a reduction from 25 tonnes


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to 10 tonnes in the de minimis to spread the burden of compliance more equitably across all obligated producers. In 2010 the Minister introduced the Waste Management (Landfill Levy)(Amendment) Regulations which amends the 2008 Regulations to implement the increased levy of €30 per tonne for waste disposed of at authorised and unauthorised landfill facilities.

The Minister also proposes to bring forward primary legislation to amend the Waste Management Act to allow the application of significantly higher levy rates with a view to deploying this economic instrument to drive the diversion of waste from landfill.


There has been limited progress in relation to cost recovery within the Region during the term of the Waste Plan. Local Authority operating costs have not been fully recovered from users of facilities through either the gate fee system or through the waste collection permitting system. Landfill gate fees have been the source of much of waste related revenue for Local Authorities over the past few years and the recent significant drop in landfill gate fees has exacerbated the gap in cost recovery. The Local Authorities continue to employ user fees for waste services, and adjust where necessary or possible, in order to finance measures taken by the Regional Local Authorities in achieving the objectives as set out within the Waste Plan. The Local Authorities continue to seek grant assistance from the Environment Fund for appropriate schemes.

Financial support from industry for priority waste streams in accordance with producer responsibility obligations and the polluter pays principle is largely managed by the DEHLG through the introduction of producer responsibility compliance schemes with limited if any Local Authority involvement. In relation to packaging waste, this is predominantly managed by REPAK’s voluntary initiative. Registration fees are collected by Local Authorities from those producers who elect to self comply in accordance with the packaging waste regulations.

Progress has been achieved on a National and Regional level in relation to the application of appropriate economic instruments such as the plastic bag and landfill levies. The use of appropriate economic instruments should continue to be applied in order to develop sustainable waste management solutions.

36.4 REVIEW RECOMENDATION

Due to the limited progress achieved during the term of the Waste Plan with respect to cost recovery systems, the policy objectives as set out within the Waste Plan remain relevant with substantial progress required in order to achieve such objectives. Therefore following the Review it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain largely unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.


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In the interests of cost recovery and of conformity with the Polluter Pays Principle, the Local Authorities in the Region must be able to recover operating costs from the users of these facilities. This may be done in a number of ways, such as gate fees or through the waste collection permitting system. The local authorities will in future when granting permits encourage the waste collectors to provide their own Materials Recovery Facilities or least demonstrate that they have access to such facilities.

Additional objectives in this regard include the following:

Increasing cost recovery for functions such as regulation and enforcement It is an objective to seek more financial support from industry under industry’s producer

responsibility obligation, regarding packaging but also other materials and sectors and under the polluter pays principle.

It is an objective that the full cost of collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste - less the revenue from recyclables - will be recovered from producers of packaging materials as defined in the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997, as amended.

Aiming to achieve full cost recovery of facilities for collection, recycling, energy recovery and disposal.

Maximise grant assistance from the governments Environment Fund for appropriate schemes or other grant assistance that may become available from national or EU sources.

Using appropriate economic instruments to achieve sustainable waste management. In addition to the above it is an objective of the Region for continued implementation of producer responsibility obligations whereby producers share the burden with the end user as has been developed within the packaging sector. Producer responsibility initiatives where investigated or implemented at a national level will be supported, in conjunction with National policy, for the following, among other;

Newspapers and Magazines Junk Mail Paints, and Medicines


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37 POLICY FOR SITING WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE


Section 3.13 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives for the siting of the following waste facilities within the North East Region;

Bring Banks Recycling Centres for Dry Recyclables Materials Recovery Facilities Biological Treatment Facilities Waste to Energy (WTE) Facilities, and Landfills

37.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005 - 2010

In 2006 the EPA published a Landfill Manual on Site Selection for consultation. The current draft supersedes the guidance previously published by the EPA in 1995.

This Manual on Site Selection should be read in conjunction with the other Manuals in the series, and should be considered additional guidance informing the definition, and interpretation, of BAT for siting waste landfills in Ireland. The guidance addresses the requirements of the EIA and Landfill Directive requirements with respect to location and siting of facilities.

No formal national guidelines have been published in respect of siting other waste treatment facilities since the publication of the Waste Plan.

37.3 REGIONAL PROGRESS 2005 - 2010

The Region has continued to site waste infrastructure facilities in accordance with the guidelines and policy for siting such facilities as outlined within the Waste Plan. No additional guidelines have been formulated at a Regional level since the publication of the Waste Plan and the existing policy for siting such facilities continues to be adhered to.


The policy objective on siting waste infrastructure as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant in principle therefore following the Review it is recommended that the objective of the Waste Plan remain largely unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

However it is also proposed to insert the following policy objective to ensure development of infrastructure adheres to the requirements of waste regulation and guidance as set out within the Review.

It should also be noted that the individual guidelines for siting waste infrastructure have also been modified to take consideration of applicable international and national guidance.


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The recommended policy objective of the Review is as follows;

The North East Local Authorities will ensure that the development of waste infrastructural facilities within the Region will adhere to good siting principles as set out within the Review.

Guidelines for siting of waste infrastructure are detailed below.

37.4.1 Bring Banks

Policy is for 1 per 500 households Should be sited in sensible, safe locations Be easily accessible to the public Be strategically placed where access to other recycling facilities is not readily available.

37.4.2 Recycling and Materials Recovery Facilities

There are no National or International guidelines but the siting of such facilities should have regard to the following site selection criteria:

The facility to be placed within an urban area or as near as possible. Location of facility to be convenient to majority of householders. Particular regard to be had to traffic considerations. Where practicable, consideration should be given to the siting of such facilities in proximity to

a strategic transport route.

37.4.3 Biological Treatment Facilities

The primary legislation and technical guidance referring to biological treatment facilities are:-

The Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended Animal By-products Regulation (1774/2002/EC)

There are no National or International guidelines on the siting of biological treatment facilities however the siting of such facilities should have regard to the following criteria;.

Location, taking into account requirements relating to the feedstock waste and technology used

Distance to residential and recreational areas The proximity of waterways, waterbodies and other agricultural and urban sites The existence of protection zones in the area and the protection of the local environment Particular regard to be had to traffic considerations.


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37.4.4 Waste to Energy (WTE) Facilities

As thermal treatment of municipal waste is still not an established technology in Ireland there are no national guidelines regarding the selection of areas suitable for the location of WTE facilities. Notwithstanding the fact that the Waste to Energy facility is under construction at Carranstown, the following international guidance should be considered when siting such facilities in the future:-

EU Directive on the Incineration of Waste 2000/76/EC Basel Convention Series/SBC No. 02/04. Technical guidelines on incineration on Land, 1997

(reprinted 2002). European Commission’s advice reference on Site selection and Incineration - environmental

impacts and mitigation measures Draft Guidelines on best available techniques and provisional guidance on best environmental

practices relevant to Article 5 and Annex C of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

In conjunction with the above, consideration should also be given to the Waste Management Acts 1996 as amended.

The following international guidance should be considered when siting hazardous facilities;

World Health Organisation Working Group on Site selection for new hazardous waste management facilities, 1990.

A sieving process is recommended whereby exclusionary factors, which may preclude the siting of a Thermal Treatment Plant, should be considered.

This would include the following:-

Proposed Natural Heritage Areas or Special Areas of Conservation Airport Exclusionary Areas Areas of High Amenity or Archaeological Interest Appropriate zoning based on County Development Plans

Having identified areas which are not suitable to locate a facility more detailed assessment can be carried out having regard to the following criteria:

General Planning and Environmental Considerations Site Size and Current Land Use Proximity to Residential Areas End-Market Use Road Access Traffic

The Basel Convention Technical Guidelines also recommend the consideration of the following issues

on the suitable candidate site selected:

Site Hydrology


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Geology of the site

Hydrogeology of the site

Presence of sensitive habitat

Urbanization of surrounding areas

Socio-economic aspects (including impacts of transportation)

Streams in and around the site, stream flow rates, and public use of stream water.

Location of markets for any recovered materials and proximity of potential energy users,

availability and cost of land.

Cost of site development.

Ambient air quality conditions, dispersion characteristics and wind direction,

Economic viability (including transport costs).

The location of a WTE Facility in the North East Region has already been approved through the planning and construction of the facility has commenced. However, should any further facilities be proposed, the selection of a site should take into account the foregoing considerations.

37.4.5 Landfills

The siting of new landfills will be carried out in the context of best practice and according to the Draft EPA Manual on Landfill Site Selection 2006. This document provides guidance on the selection of a landfill site and assists in assessing the impact of a landfill on the surrounding environment. The Draft Manual should be read in conjunction with the other Manuals in the landfill series, and should be considered additional guidance informing the definition, and interpretation, of BAT for siting waste landfills in Ireland.

The Draft Manual also outlines a staged process of considering an initial desk study, exclusionary factors, selecting siting criteria, finding generally suitable areas and the shortlisting of sites using the siting criteria. The overall assessment should use a mixture of qualitative and quantitative appraisal.

The Draft EPA Manual requires that public consultation takes place during the course of waste management strategies and plans.


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38 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE


The objective of the Waste Plan was to achieve more sustainable waste management practices in the construction and demolition sector.

Section 4.1 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste within the North East Region as follows;


Promote awareness and education to users of recycled construction products through the planning and waste permit systems. (2005 – 2010)

Support and promote the on-going producer responsibility initiatives of the construction

industry. (2005 – 2010) Increase awareness of the opportunities to minimise/ prevent waste and to recycle

unavoidable waste, particularly among Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the construction industry. (2005 – 2010)

Ensure that a C&D Waste Plan is prepared by developers for new construction projects above

the threshold limits as set by the NCDWC and that the maximum amount of waste material generated on-site is re-used and recycled. (2007)

That any new Local Authority construction jobs are assessed for the potential use of recycled

aggregates and to encourage the development of end markets for these products by ensuring that the public and private sector developments use recycled construction aggregates and other recycled materials where possible. (2007)

Facilitate provision of additional C&D Waste Recycling Facilities for recycling of C&D waste –

including separation of materials and crushing/grading of rubble for re-use as aggregate (2009).

Facilitate provision of Recycling Facilities to cater for delivery of C&D waste by small-scale

producers, SMEs etc. Facilitate provision of additional facilities to cater for C&D waste in the larger urban areas-

these should include front-end removal & recycling of recoverable waste, and limited to disposal of nonrecoverable waste (soil) only.

To tighten regulation and control of applications for waste permits and waste permitted

facilities for the deposition of soil on agricultural land, to ensure that contaminated loads are not accepted at facilities and improvements are made in the recording of materials accepted at facilities.

The use of soil material be restricted to beneficial applications where possible, in preference to

disposal. Examples of beneficial use include: landfill restoration, amenity projects (parks, golf courses), quarry re-instatement, major reclamation/infill projects.

Pursue close regional cooperation on regulation and enforcement in conjunction with the

Office of Environmental Enforcement and the Gardai. (2005)


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To separately record C&D waste from soil/stones and report arisings and recovery rates for both types of C&D waste. (2005 – 2010)

To implement good on-site management of waste, including minimisation of waste, separation

of hazardous wastes and separation on site of recyclables materials such as packaging, timber, metal, concrete, etc. (2005 – 2010)

(In Demolition Work), to employ best practice in selective demolition to maximise recovery of

materials and separation of hazardous wastes. Where appropriate on-site recycling should be included in the C&D Waste Management Plan for the project. (2005 – 2010)

To divert suitable C&D waste to relevant landfill sites where there is potential to use it for

restoration screening and environmental protection. (2005 – 2010). Existing quarries and pits may be considered as suitable for the management and recovery of

C&D waste. Applications will be subject to local planning approval. The development of integrated C&D facilities will be encouraged to compliment recovery

under permit.

38.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010

In Changing Our Ways (1998), the Government set a national target of 85% for the recovery of C&D wastes to be achieved by 2013. Progress in C&D recovery within the Region has been largely achieved through the reuse of soil and stones for engineering works at landfill sites and in land reclamation activities. Progress in relation to C&D waste prevention and reuse of the ‘other’ C&D waste fraction (i.e. faction excluding soil and stones) has been limited.

In October 2004, a Construction Voluntary Industry Initiative was launched requiring all industry stakeholders to commit to improved sustainable management practices on site which resulted in the requirement to prepare Project Construction and Demolition Waste Plans. National guidelines to assist contractors and developers in the preparation of the waste plans were launched in 2006 by the DEHLG.

Subsequently the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008, set targets for the reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste to move Europe towards a recycling society with a high level of resource efficiency. In doing Article 11 sets the following recycling target for the non-soil and stone fraction of C&D waste:

‘(b) by 2020, the preparing for re-use, recycling and other material recovery, including backfilling operations using waste to substitute other materials, of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste excluding naturally occurring material defined in category 17 05 04 in the list of waste shall be increased to a minimum of 70% by weight.’


In 2003, it was reported that a total of 469,939 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in the North East Region; this was estimated at 1,520,324 tonnes in 2009.

The vast majority of C&D waste generated in the Region is due to the construction of the M3 motorway. With the exclusion of the C&D waste fraction generated by the M3, approximately 317,095 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in the Region in 2009


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Excluding the M3 motorway works, the figures represent a 33% reduction in the quantity of C&D waste generated within the Region however this is not wholly attributable to waste prevention and recovery initiatives as the reduction is primarily a result of the effects of the economic downturn on the construction industry.

Within the Region the promotion of awareness and education to users of recycled construction products was primarily addressed by means of the requirement to complete C&D Waste Management Plans for new construction projects above a specified threshold. The requirement for C&D Waste Management Plans was managed by Local Authorities by way of planning conditions prior to commencement of development. The plans require on site source segregation of C&D waste and removal in accordance with regulation for recycling/reuse where applicable with guidance provided, in accordance with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) guidelines. The primary goal of C&D waste plans was to ensure maximum reuse/recycling of wastes generated at individual construction and demolition sites. Local Authority enforcement of C&D waste recovery and disposal was conducted proactively and reactively The implementation of integrated C&D Waste Recycling on permitted sites is required in order to encourage the separation of materials and crushing/grading of rubble for re-use as aggregate. The Waste Plan specified a headline indicator target for C&D waste as follows;


% C&D Recycled 20.6% 85% by 2013

Both the headline indicator target for C&D waste recycling identified in the Waste Plan (85%) and the C&D waste recycling target of 70% specified in the 2008 Waste Framework Directive have been achieved. It is estimated that 100% of the ‘soil and stone’ fraction of C&D wastes was recovered in the Region in 2009 with 81% of the ‘other’ fraction recovered in the same year. The ‘soil and stone’ recovery rate is based on the recovered tonnage expressed as a percentage of the tonnage collected.

In total it is estimated that approximately 98% of all C&D waste generated within the Region in 2009 was recovered. However a significant improvement in the accuracy of reporting of individual waste streams by waste operators is required.


Due to the limited progress achieved during the term of the Waste Plan with respect to achieving more sustainable waste management practices in the construction and demolition sector, the policy objectives as set out within the Waste Plan remain relevant. The primary goals of the Region are to prevent and minimise C&D waste generation and to achieve increased reuse and recycling levels while minimising disposal and associated transportation. In order to achieve these goals it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term.

38.4.1 Target Review Recommendations

It is proposed to increase the C&D headline recycling rate in the Waste Plan to 98% based on the current performance of the Region. In addition it is proposed to include a separate recycling target rate of 80% for the ‘other’ fraction (non-soil and stone fraction) of C&D waste based on current regional performance which is in line with targets specified in the 2008 Waste Framework Directive.


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39 HAZARDOUS WASTE FROM HOUSEHOLDS AND SMALL BUSINESSES


It is the policy of the Waste Plan to improve the management of hazardous waste in the Region and Section 4.2 of the Waste Plan identifies the specific policy objectives as follows; The Local Authorities will:

Increase public knowledge of what wastes are hazardous and improve awareness of the need to manage these wastes appropriately, through educational programmes focused on ways in which the generation of hazardous waste in households can be prevented, reduced, recycled and source separated. Each Local Authority will run one public education campaign per year based around preventing, reducing, recycling and source separating household hazardous waste. (2005 – 2010)

Ensure that the SME sector recognizes hazardous waste and improve awareness of the

need to manage this waste appropriately, through educational programmes focused on ways in which the generation of hazardous waste in SMEs can be prevented, reduced, recycled and source separated. (2005 – 2010)

Run one public education campaign per year based around preventing, reducing, recycling

and source separating SME hazardous waste. (2005 – 2010) Provide adequate coverage for the collection of household and SME hazardous waste

through Recycling Centres and possibly mobile collection services. (2007) Encourage the development of industry voluntary led producer responsibility schemes to

encourage industry to take responsibility for the products they place on the market and to support prevention / minimisation, reuse and recycling opportunities and responsible disposal practices. (2005 – 2010)

Provide training to the staff of Local Authority recycling facilities in how to manage hazardous

waste. (2006) Improve the level of reporting and data collection of hazardous waste from collections and

facilities. Reports on tonnages received from all facilities collecting hazardous waste are to be submitted to each local authority every six months. (2005)

The North East Local Authorities will investigate the provision of a yearly collection of

household hazardous waste.

The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) is currently under review. The North East Region will have regard to the recommendations.


The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) was replaced in 2008 and sets out the priority actions that should be taken within the period of the NHWMP (2008-2012) in relation to: the prevention of hazardous waste; improved collection rates for certain categories of hazardous waste; the steps that are required to improve Ireland’s self-sufficiency in hazardous waste management; and the management of certain legacy hazardous wastes such as contaminated soil. The following outlines


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the principal recommendations of the NHWMP where local authorities are designated as the responsible body.

Administrative Arrangements

Local authorities should take relevant recommendations of the NHWMP into account in their implementation and revision of regional and local waste management plans, as well as regional planning guidelines and regional and area development plans.

Prevention

Designate trained prevention officers, either alone or as regional groupings, such that each local authority area is covered, to, inter alia, work with local businesses and communities towards achieving hazardous waste prevention, accessible and cost-effective collection services, and better compliance with regulation.

Collection of Hazardous Waste

Complete a programme by 2012 of providing drop-off facilities at appropriate civic amenity sites and/or other suitable locations for use by householders and small business.

Conduct local or regional awareness and information campaigns, to pro-actively inform

individuals and businesses of available hazardous waste collection services, and their obligations.

Commence a programme of local and/or concerted enforcement actions in 2009 with regard to

the management of hazardous waste at several categories of small business. Enforcement actions should ensure that all generators of hazardous waste are managing hazardous waste in accordance with their statutory obligations and should be repeated periodically.

Furthermore the 2008 Waste Framework Directive prohibits the mixing of hazardous waste or with other waste, substances or materials unless:

(a) the mixing operation is carried out by an establishment or undertaking which has obtained a permit in accordance with Article 23;

(b) the provisions of Article 13 are complied with and the adverse impact of the waste management on human health and the environment is not increased; and

(c) the mixing operation conforms to best available techniques.

Subject to technical and economic feasibility criteria, where hazardous waste has been mixed in a manner contrary to the above, separation must be carried out where possible and necessary in order to comply with Article 13 of the Directive. This is applicable to all non-household hazardous wastes. It does not apply to separate fractions of hazardous waste produced at household level until it is accepted for collection, disposal or recovery by an establishment or an undertaking which has obtained the relevant authorisation. Article 21 of the Waste Framework Directive specifically requires the separate collection of waste oils, where technically feasible and economically viable.


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In excess of 300 tonnes of household hazardous waste was collected in the Region in 2009, a 46% decrease from 2003 figures (567 tonnes). The management of hazardous waste has been facilitated through the development of dedicated drop off facilities at all recycling centres throughout the Region. Additional progress is required in the management of hazardous waste from households and small businesses in future years in order to attain those levels recorded in 2003.

The Waste Plan specified a headline indicator target for hazardous waste as follows;


Kg of household hazardous recycled (per household) Not Available 0.75 by 2005

The volume of household hazardous waste collected was 2.2 kg per household in 2009 which exceeds the relevant target within the Waste Plan (0.75 kg per household by 2005).


The objectives from the Waste Plan remain largely unchanged and applicable for the three year term. The proposed objectives outlined below take consideration of the recommendations of the NHWMP and as outlined above with respect to the management of household hazardous waste. The requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC are also taken into consideration. The Local Authorities will:

Increase public knowledge of what wastes are hazardous and improve awareness of the need to manage these wastes appropriately, through educational programmes focused on ways in which the generation of hazardous waste in households can be prevented, reduced, recycled and source separated. Each Local Authority will run one public education campaign per year based around preventing, reducing, recycling and source separating household hazardous waste.

Ensure that the SME sector recognise their requirement to ban the mixing of hazardous

waste, manage this waste appropriately in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive and through educational programmes focus on ways in which the generation of hazardous waste in SMEs can be prevented, reduced, recycled and source separated.

Run one public education campaign per year based around preventing, reducing, recycling

and source separating SME hazardous waste. Continue to provide adequate coverage for the separate collection of household and SME

hazardous waste through Recycling Centres and possibly mobile collection services.

Promote and support the separate collection of waste oils where technically feasible in accordance with the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC

Encourage the development of industry voluntary led producer responsibility schemes to

encourage industry to take responsibility for the products they place on the market and to support prevention / minimisation, reuse and recycling opportunities and responsible disposal practices.


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Provide training to the staff of Local Authority recycling facilities in how to manage hazardous

waste. Improve the level of reporting and data collection of hazardous waste from collections and

facilities. Reports on tonnages received from all facilities collecting hazardous waste are to be submitted to each local authority every six months.

The North East Local Authorities will investigate the provision of a yearly collection of

household hazardous waste. The North East Region will have regard to the recommendations of the EU Waste

Framework Directive 2008/98/EC, the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) 2008 and any subsequent reviews.

The Region must continue to ensure that hazardous waste is addressed through an integrated approach of prevention, collection, and recycling, recovery and disposal and the development of industry led producer responsibility schemes for key waste streams.


Based on current regional performance it is proposed to revise the headline indicator target of 0.75kg per household by 2005 to 2.2kg per household by 2013.


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40 WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE)


Section 4.4 of the Waste Plan identifies the following objectives in relation to the management of WEEE within the North East Region.

Producers:

As a minimum, producers must provide for the financing of the collection, treatment, recovery and environmentally sound disposal of WEEE from private households deposited at retail outlets and collection facilities.

Are required to comply with the WEEE Regulations either by joining the collective

compliance scheme or self complying.


Ensure that retailers register with the relevant local authority, take back WEEE from customers buying new products and manage the recycling and recovery of these materials in line with the Regulations.

Promote the options for reuse, repair and recycling of WEEE available in the Region. (2005 –

2010) Raise awareness of WEEE amongst householders and the implications of the upcoming

Directive implementation. (2005 – 2010) Ensure all Recycling Centres for household waste are upgraded to accept WEEE (2006)

Explore alternative WEEE collection methods with industry to ensure maximum coverage is

provided for householders in the Region. The Local Authorities in conjunction with industry shall explore alternative WEEE collection options. (2007)

40.2 NATIONAL PROGRESS 2005 – 2010

40.2.1 WEEE and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)

These regulations were enacted in order to give legislative effect to the following Directives;

EU Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS), and

EU Directive 2002/95/EC 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

The Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 340 of 2005) were amended in 2008 by S.I. No. 375 of 2008.


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The Regulations are designed to promote the recovery of WEEE, and to facilitate achievement of targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of WEEE in environmentally sound manner.

There are ten categories of EEE within scope, large and small household appliances, IT and telecommunications equipment, consumer equipment, lighting, electrical and electronic tools, toys, leisure and sports equipment, monitoring and control instruments, medical devices and automatic dispensers.

The Regulations impose obligations on persons who supply electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers, including those supplying EEE by means of distance communication.

This is a Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI), therefore producers have the most onerous responsibilities under the legislation. Producers are responsible for financing the environmentally sound management of WEEE and have responsibilities regarding collection, recycling and treatment targets.

Producers can self-comply under the Regulations, or join a compliance scheme. Currently there are two approved compliance schemes, European Recycling Platform (ERP) and WEEE Ireland. If a producer is a certified member of a compliance scheme they are exempt from certain requirements. The Waste Management (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations, 2005 (S.I. No. 341 of 2005) were also amended in 2008 by the Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations 2008.

These Regulations are designed to

promote the recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment and facilitate in particular the achievement of the targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment as established by Directive 2002/96/EC.

minimise waste arisings of certain hazardous substances by prohibiting the use of certain

heavy metals in electrical and electronic equipment as required by Directive 2002/95/EC.

40.2.2 Batteries

The Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations were introduced in 2008 and are designed to promote the recovery of waste batteries and accumulators (e.g. rechargeable batteries). Their aim is to facilitate in particular the achievement of the targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste batteries and accumulators in a manner established by EU Directive 2006/66/EC.

The Regulations impose obligations on persons who supply batteries and accumulators to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers. An exemption from these obligations is available to persons who participate in a scheme for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste batteries and accumulators in an environmentally sound manner operated by an approved body.


Significant progress has been made in the Region with approximately 2,488 tonnes of WEEE collected in 2008 compared to 469 tonnes in 2003. This is a direct result of the introduction of the Waste


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Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) (WEEE) Regulations imposing obligations suppliers of electrical and electronic equipment to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers.

The Waste Plan specified a headline indicator target for WEEE as follows;


Kg of WEEE collected for recycling per capita 1.5 kg 4 kg by 2006

The volume of WEEE collected per capita has increased from 1.5 kg in 2003 to 5.9 kg in 2009 which exceeds the relevant target within the Waste Plan (4 kg by 2006).

The Regulations entitle users of household WEEE to return waste free of charge, either to retail outlets in instances where a replacement item is purchased, or other authorised collection points, including local authority civic amenity sites. The enforcement of the WEEE Regulations is included within the Regional Local Authorities enforcement plan.

Dedicated collection points for WEEE have been provided at all recycling facilities within the Region with public collection days scheduled at regular intervals throughout the year.

It should also be noted that 559 tonnes of waste batteries were collected by the private sector in 2009. These batteries were collected from commercial and industrial premises primarily resulting from the recent introduction of The Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations.


Substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of WEEE within the Region during the term of the Waste Plan with the 2006 headline indicator target being exceeded. This is primarily due to the implementation of the WEEE Regulations. Additional progress is required in relation to awareness campaigns at household and industry level in order to further increase performance. Additional co-operation and action is also required to further enforce the Batteries Regulations within the Region.

The objectives from the Waste Plan remain relevant therefore it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain largely unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term, however the following amendments to the existing objectives as well as the introduction of new objectives are proposed within the Review in order to take consideration of the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations. Producers:

As a minimum, producers must provide for the financing of the collection, treatment, recovery and environmentally sound disposal of WEEE from private households deposited at retail outlets and collection facilities.

Are required to comply with the WEEE Regulations either by joining the collective

compliance scheme or self complying.


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Ensure that retailers register with the relevant local authority, take back WEEE from customers buying new products and manage the recycling and recovery of these materials in line with the Regulations.

Promote the options for reuse, repair and recycling of WEEE available in the Region.

Raise awareness amongst householders and industry regarding the proper management of

WEEE in accordance with the applicable Regulations Ensure all Recycling Centres for household waste are upgraded to accept WEEE

Explore alternative WEEE collection methods with industry to ensure maximum coverage is

provided for householders in the Region. The Local Authorities in conjunction with industry shall explore alternative WEEE collection options.

Carry out data collection and reporting of WEEE performance in the Region

. Enforce the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations

Carry out data collection and reporting of Batteries performance within the Region

The Region will continue to adopt all appropriate measures in order to prevent the disposal of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste and to achieve a high level of separate collection. The collection and transport of segregated WEEE shall continue to be carried out in such a way so as to optimise the reuse and recycling potential of components or whole appliances capable of being reused or recycled.


Based on the current quantity of WEEE collected per capita in the Region it is proposed to increase the headline indicator target from 4kg per capita to 5.9kg per capita for the forthcoming 3 year period.


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41 END OF LIFE VEHICLES (ELVS)


Section 4.4 of the Waste Plan identifies the policy objectives in relation to ELVs within the North East Region as follows;


Perform the regulatory role required when this is defined by legislation from the DoEHLG. This is expected to include additional requirements for the authorisation and monitoring of ELV collection and recovery.

Use their resources to run regular public education campaigns focussing on the obligation

of producers and the public (under the Directive) to dispose of their vehicle appropriately (2005 – 2010)

Use the enforcement team in each Local Authority to perform audits of the waste collection

permits and waste permit holders to ensure accurate records are kept. (2005 – 2010) Ensure that abandoned and burnt-out cars collected by or on behalf of the Local

Authorities are brought to waste permitted facilities for recovery and disposal.


The Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations (SI 282 of 2006) were published in 2006 to implement the provisions of EU Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles. These regulations are intended to facilitate the achievement of the following;

85% reuse/recovery with 80% reuse/recycling by average weight per vehicle and year, on and from the date of commencement of the Regulations, and

95% reuse/recovery with 85% reuse/recycling by average weight per vehicle and year, by the 1 of January 2015.

The Regulations place heavy obligations on manufacturers and importers of cars and vans ("producers" under the Regulations), with each producer’s system consisting of at least 43 Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs - 1 per functional area of local authority where the population of the functional area is less than or equal to 150,000 with supplemental facilities for each additional 150,000 persons).

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the ELV Regulations pertaining to ATFs and associated waste permitting requirements as well as maintaining a register of producers.


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In relation to progress in the implementation of the Waste Plan objectives, the Region has performed well with a total of 26 ATF’s currently permitted accepting approximately 7,430 tonnes of ELV waste in 2009. The local authorities are continuing to enforce the Regulations pertaining to ATFs. The Local Authorities are also maintaining a register of producers within their administrative areas.

The Local Authorities have continued to actively conduct audits of facilities and collectors to ensure compliance with both the facility and collection permit regulations.

The Local Authorities have continued to ensure that vehicles abandoned or burnt out within their administrative areas are collected by or on their behalf and transported to an appropriately regulated facility for recovery and disposal.

Limited progress has been made in relation to the delivery of regular public education campaigns.


Substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of ELV’s within the Region following the implementation of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations. Additional progress is required in relation to awareness campaigns at industry level in order to further increase performance.

The objectives from the Waste Plan remain relevant therefore it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain largely unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term, however the following amendments are proposed within the Review in order to take consideration of the requirements of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations;

Local Authority will regulate ATFs in accordance with the requirements of the applicable ELV Regulations.

Local Authority will regulate producers and maintain a producer register in accordance with

applicable ELV Regulations. Local Authority will perform audits of the waste collection permits and waste permit holders to

ensure accurate records are kept. Local Authorities will ensure that abandoned and burnt-out cars collected by or on their

behalf are brought to appropriately regulated facilities for recovery and disposal.


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42 TYRES


On adoption of the Waste Plan there was no National policy direction in relation to the management and disposal of tyres. The policy objectives of the Waste Plan in relation to waste tyres were set out in Section 4.5 of the Plan as follows;

The Local Authorities will: Promote recovery of tyres and ensure that waste tyres are collected and recycled through

the recognised channels. (2005 – 2010) Implement any future regulations introduced by the DOEHLG.

Support the implementation of any producer responsibility schemes.


In accordance with the Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, a landfill ban on shredded tyres was imposed in 2006 in relation to new landfills in order to comply with the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive.

In 2008 Regulations on the management of waste tyres came into force with the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 664 of 2007) requiring producers, suppliers and authorised waste collectors to provide specified information to local authorities to demonstrate the environmentally sound management of waste tyres. The Regulations were enacted to improve information gathering and the tracking of waste tyre flows from the point they are placed on the market to the point of reuse and/or processing for recycling and/or recovery within Ireland.

Suppliers of tyres to the Irish Market, whether manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, traders, or retailers or collectors of waste tyres who do not participate in a voluntary compliance scheme must register annually with the relevant Local Authority, and pay annual registration and re-registration fees. Detailed reporting on quantities of tyres placed on the market or collected must be made to the relevant Local Authority. In accordance with the Regulations anyone who wishes to collect tyres must hold a valid Waste Collection Permit in order to be classified as an Authorised Waste Collector.

In addition to the above Article 6 of the EU Directive on Waste (2008/98/EC) sets out the grounds by which a material which is recovered from waste can be deemed to be no longer a waste. The Directive commits to developing end-of-waste criteria in accordance with the following conditions:

the substance or object is commonly used for specific purposes; a market or demand exists for such a substance or object; the substance or object fulfils the technical requirements for the specific purposes and meets

the existing legislation and standards applicable to products; and


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the use of the substance or object will not lead to overall adverse environmental or human health impacts.

In accordance with these conditions, the EPA has determined that tyre bales can achieve end of waste status for tyres if specified criteria have been met. It is the EPA’s position that any departure from the specified criteria will signify a waste activity subject to waste authorisation.

In June 2010, Ireland notified their proposed position on the end of waste status for tyre bales to the European Commission and in September 2010 the Commission issued a detailed opinion stating reasons why the notified criteria does not comply with the legal requirements laid down in the Directive.

In December 2010, the EPA determined tyre bales cannot achieve end of waste status in accordance with article 6 of EU Directive 2008/98/EC on waste. Therefore, tyre bales remain classified as waste in all circumstances and are subject to control and regulation as waste.

Development of tyre recycling and recovery facilities is a necessary and welcomed development.


In 2003 an estimated 1,619 tonnes of waste tyres were produced in the Region. In 2009 this figure reduced to 885 tonnes. This may be attributed to a lack of public participation as TRACS, the National Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme, is a relatively new initiative. However it should also be noted that figures presented in 2003 were estimates based on National data. With the implementation of the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations and associated improvements in reporting structures, the data presented in 2009 is considered an accurate representation of the quantity of waste tyres managed within the Region.

The North East Local Authorities have made significant progress in implementing the objectives of the Waste Plan in respect of waste tyres generated within the Region whilst also ensuring compliance with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements imposed during this period.

The local authorities are continuing to enforce the Regulations pertaining to Tyres and Waste Tyres,

This being said, the Local Authorities have spent a significant amount of time and effort implementing enforcement measurements to address concerns in relation to the management of waste tyres in an environmentally sound manner.


The objectives from the Waste Plan remain largely relevant and applicable for the three year term. The proposed objectives outlined below take consideration of the recommendations of the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations. The Local Authorities will:

Promote recovery of tyres and ensure that waste tyres are collected and recycled in accordance with applicable legislation.

Enforce and regulate waste tyres in accordance with the requirements of the applicable

Regulations.

Local Authority enforcement will perform audits of the waste collection permits and waste permit holders.


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43 PORT RECEPTION FACILITIES FOR SHIP GENERATED WASTE AND CARGO RESIDUES


Section 4.6 of the Waste Plan identifies the following objective in relation to handling ship generated waste with in the North East Region.

Louth County Council will:

Develop and implement appropriate waste reception and handling plans for Local Authority Manager Ports namely, Clogherhead & Carlingford and Annagassan Ports following consultation with the relevant parties, in particular with port users or their representatives, having regard to their obligations under the Waste Management Act and the requirements of Articles 4, 6, 7, 10 and 12 of Directive 2000/59/EC on Port Reception Facilities for Ship Generated Waste and Cargo Residues. This Handling Plan when prepared will be furnished to the Maritime Safety Directorate for approval.


In accordance with this objective Louth County Council prepared a ‘Draft Port Waste Reception Facilities Plan’ in 2007. This plan outlines proposed methods of handling ship generated waste and cargo residues at Carlingford, Annagassan and Clogherhead harbours.

Carlingford Harbour: No waste to be allowed on shore at Carlingford Harbour. The boats will be directed to Carlingford Marina where there is a waste management facility. There is a recycling depot for drink cans and glass bottles directly across from the harbour where material of that nature can be recycled free of charge.

Annagassan Harbour: No waste to be allowed on shore at Annagassan Harbour at present, except to licensed waste contractors organized by private individuals.

Clogherhead Harbour: Clogherhead harbour was re-constructed to facilitate the boat users and was completed at the end of May 2007. There is one fishing company which will use the harbour, namely, Red Sail. They have a fleet of 25 fishing vessels, all of which are trawlers.


The Draft Port Waste Reception Facilities Plan has yet to be finalised and furnished to the Maritime Safety Directorate for approval prior to becoming effective. Therefore it is proposed that the policy objective outlined within the Waste Plan remain relevant with a target year of 2011 for finalisation and implementation of the relevant Waste Handling Plan.


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Louth County Council will:

Develop and implement appropriate waste reception and handling plans for Local Authority Manager Ports namely, Clogherhead & Carlingford and Annagassan Ports following consultation with the relevant parties, in particular with port users or their representatives, having regard to their obligations under the Waste Management Act and the requirements of Articles 4, 6, 7, 10 and 12 of Directive 2000/59/EC on Port Reception Facilities for Ship Generated Waste and Cargo Residues. This Handling Plan when prepared will be furnished to the Maritime Safety Directorate for approval. (2011)


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44 SLUDGE


Sludge Management Plans (SMP) were prepared by Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan County Councils prior to the implementation of the Waste Plan. Each Plan was to quantify the volumes of non-hazardous sludge and sets out a framework policy for the sustainable management of all non-hazardous sludge arising within the functional area.

Section 4.7 of the Waste Plan identifies the following objective in relation to sludge within the North East Region.

Each Local Authority will implement the policies stated in the Sludge Management Plan.

The objectives set out within the plans are specific to each county but the majority of plans include:

The development of a main hub centre for the treatment of municipal wastewater sludge

within their framework policy. The designation of satellite centres which would export sludge to the hub centre.

To ensure that the targets set out in the Sludge Management Plans for the Region are

implemented on time.


The Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations 2010 came into effect in March 2010. The Regulations have implications for those involved in the collection and management of sewage sludge or septic tank waste. The Regulations require any individual that stores sewage sludge or septic tank waste, to register the storage facility with the Local Authority in whose area the facility is located.

Local Authorities are obliged to maintain a register of sludge storage facilities, and can attach conditions of operation to any facility that it registers.


Each Local Authority initially prepared Sludge Management Plans to quantify the volumes of non-hazardous sludge and define the framework policy for the sustainable management of all non-hazardous sludge arising within their functional area. Each of the Plans requires updating and DEHLG approval in order to implement the policy framework within their respective administrative areas and adopt the policies as stated in each Sludge Management Plan.


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Currently there is no main hub centre or satellite centres in Cavan and the proposed 3 year contract recently advertised doesn’t specify or require same. Sludge is currently being collected from each treatment plant and landspread primarily in Counties Meath and Kildare.

County Louth has two main hub centres, Dundalk and Drogheda Waste Water Treatment Plants with designated satellite waste water treatment plants for small population centres.

Louth County Council published their Sludge Management Plan in 1999 and this Plan has not been replaced or reviewed in the interim. As such the targets and objectives of the sludge plan are outdated and are not reflective of the current situation within the County.

No information was obtained on County Meath or Monaghan’s position.

The Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997 as amended requires the quantity of agricultural waste be reported in each Regional Waste Plan. The quantity for each of the key agricultural waste fractions is summarised below. Overall, quantity generated in 2009 are relatively consistent with quantities generated in 2003.

Sludge Type Tonnes (Dry Solids) 2009

Agricultural Sludge 504,074

Municipal Sludge 13,327

Industrial Sludge 8,797

Spent Mushroom Compost 34,295

Total 560,493


Sludge Management Plans (SMPs) were initially prepared by Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan County Councils prior to the implementation of the Waste Plan. These SMPs have not been reviewed or replaced in the intervening period and as such the framework policies proposed for the sustainable management of all non-hazardous sludge arising within individual functional areas is outdated and not reflective of the current environmental or legislative regime. In light of the above it is proposed that each Local Authority review and update where appropriate in order to define policies in accordance with current infrastructure and legislative requirements.

Each Local Authority will review policies and targets as set out in the Sludge Management Plan and update as appropriate. The objectives as set out within the plans should continue to include:

The development of a main hub centre for the treatment of municipal wastewater sludge within their framework policy.

The designation of satellite centres which would export sludge to the hub centre.

To ensure that the targets set out in the Sludge Management Plans, or revised Plans as

appropriate, for the Region are implemented on time.


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45 GLOSSARY OF TERMS REVIEW

It is also proposed to update the definition of a number of items listed in the Glossary of Terms presented in the Waste Plan and provide a number of additional definitions in order to reflect definitions as set out within the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC).

Amendment: ‘Biodegradable Content’ the percentage content of waste which is biodegradable. Amendment: ‘Biodegradble Municipal Waste’ municipal waste that is capable of undergoing anaerobic or aerobic decomposition, such as food and garden waste, and paper and paperboard. Amendment: ‘waste’ means any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard; Amendment: ‘hazardous waste’ means waste which displays one or more of the hazardous properties listed in Annex III; Amendment: ‘collection’ means the gathering of waste, including the preliminary sorting and preliminary storage of waste for the purposes of transport to a waste treatment facility; Amendment: ‘separate collection’ means the collection where a waste stream is kept separately by type and nature so as to facilitate a specific treatment;

Biodegradable Content: the percentage content of waste which is biodegradable. For municipal Waste this usually fluctuates around 60%- 70%

Biodegradble Municipal Waste (Biowaste): municipal waste that is capable of undergoing anaerobic or aerobic decomposition, such as food and garden waste, and paper and paperboard.

Waste: any substance or object which the holder discards, or intends, or is required to discard, and anything which is discarded as if it were a waste, as per the Waste Management Act, 1996.

Hazardous Waste: means ”waste of a class listed in the current Hazardous Waste Catalogue, which either: constitutes Category I type waste as specified in Part I of the Second Schedule to the Waste Management Act 1996 and has any of the properties specified in Part III of the same Schedule; or constitutes Category II type waste as specified in Part I of the Second Schedule to the Waste Management Act 1996 that contains any of the constituents specified in Part II of the same Schedule and has any of the properties specified in Part III of the same Schedule; or any other waste having any of the properties specified in Part III of the Second Schedule to theWaste Management Act, 1996 that may be prescribed as hazardous waste”.

Collection System: a system of gathering, sorting or mixing of waste for the purpose of it being transported to a waste recovery or disposal facility.

Separate Collection: the separate collection of biodegradable waste from municipal waste in such a way as to avoid the different waste fractions or waste components from being mixed, combined or contaminated with other potentially polluting wastes, products or materials.


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Amendment: ‘prevention’ means measures taken before a substance, material or product has become waste, that reduce: (a) the quantity of waste, including through the re-use of products or the extension of the life span of products; (b) the adverse impacts of the generated waste on the environment and human health; or (c) the content of harmful substances in materials and products; Amendment: ‘re-use’ means any operation by which products or components that are not waste are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived; Amendment ‘recycling’ means any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or substances whether for the original or other purposes. It includes the reprocessing of organic material but does not include energy recovery and the reprocessing into materials that are to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations; Additional Definitions: ‘waste oils’ means any mineral or synthetic lubrication or industrial oils which have become unfit for the use for which they were originally intended, such as used combustion engine oils and gearbox oils, lubricating oils, oils for turbines and hydraulic oils; ‘bio-waste’ means biodegradable garden and park waste, food and kitchen waste from households, restaurants, caterers and retail premises and comparable waste from food processing plants; ‘waste producer’ means anyone whose activities produce waste (original waste producer) or anyone who carries out pre-processing, mixing or other operations resulting in a change in the nature or composition of this waste; ‘waste management’ means the collection, transport, recovery and disposal of waste, including the supervision of such operations and the after-care of disposal sites, and including actions taken as a dealer or broker; ‘preparing for re-use’ means checking, cleaning or repairing recovery operations, by which products or components of products that have become waste are prepared so that they can be re-used without any other pre-processing; ‘recovery’ means any operation the principal result of which is waste serving a useful purpose by replacing other materials which would otherwise have been used to fulfil a particular function, or waste being prepared to fulfil that function, in the plant or in the wider economy. Annex II of the Waste Framework Directive 2208/98/EC sets out a non-exhaustive list of recovery operations;

Waste Prevention: A reduction in the quantity and harmfulness to the environment of waste and the materials and substances contained within waste.

Reuse: This is the process of re-using potential ‘waste’ in a repeat function of its primary purpose, for example the collection and reuse of glass bottles.

Recycling: the subjection of waste to any process or treatment to make it re-useable in hole or in part.


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‘disposal’ means any operation which is not recovery even where the operation has as a secondary consequence the reclamation of substances or energy. Annex I of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC sets out a non-exhaustive list of disposal operations;


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46 REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS

Following an assessment of the regional progress in terms of waste management practices and infrastructural developments, an assessment of legislative and policy developments in recent years was completed and incorporated in to a review of current Regional Policy for the management of waste in the region with a view to determining the suitability of existing objectives and targets for the Region, identification of further policy objectives and targets applicable to the Region since the adoption of the Waste Plan and an evaluation of the timeframe for the delivery of key dates specified.

Following the Review it was found that the overarching regional policies objectives and targets are in line with existing EU and National Legislation and Policy. Furthermore they remain relevant and challenging for the following three year period (2011-2014). This is evident through the regions achievements in 2009 as detailed in the following table.

Waste Plan Targets Regional Position 2009

Recycling 43% 36%

Recovery 39% 0%

Disposal 18% 57%

The individual policies and objectives of the Waste Plan have been reviewed and proposed amendments identified where necessary having regard to the realisation of these targets over the next three years. Please refer to Part IV of the Review Report for recommended amendments to individual policy objectives and targets.

APPENDIX A

NATIONAL WASTE PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION MEASURES

1 NATIONAL WASTE PREVENTION INITATIVES 2005 – 2010

From 2000 to 2005, waste prevention and minimisation was only starting to gain real attention. National initiatives were only starting to be introduced such as the Environment Partnership Fund, the ERTDI Research Programme, the Cleaner Greener Production Programme and the National Waste Prevention Programme. The introduction of such initiatives lead to a number of programmes and projects materialising such as the Race Against Waste Campaign, the Small Change for Businesses Programme and the tidy towns competition. The introduction of such initiatives proved to be extremely successful nationwide which has lead to even further developments in the area of waste prevention and minimisation from 2005 to 2010.

The National Waste Prevention Programme introduced by the minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2004, led by the EPA and assisted by the National Waste Prevention Committee is proving extremely successful. The programme aims to deliver substantive results on waste prevention and minimisation to integrate a range of initiatives addressing awareness-raising, technical and financial assistance, training and incentive mechanisms. Some of the developments and programmes resulting from the introduction of this initiative since 2005 are as follows:

• Development Of a Core Prevention Team in the EPA

• Development of a dedicated EPA national waste prevention programme webpages that can be accessed through www.prevention.ie and www.nwpp.ie

• Development of a Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN)

• Green Business Initiative

• Green Hospitality Award

• €concertive

• Green Home Programme

• Green Healthcare

• Packaging Waste Prevention Programme

• STOP food waste programme

• Waste Audit Tool

• Market Development Programme for Waste Resources/ rx3

• National Waste Prevention Programme – Prevention Plan 2009-2012

• www.freetradeireland.ie

Numerous Guidance documents have also been initiated under the national waste prevention programme, to assist various sectors play their part in waste prevention, for example:

• Householders Guide to Hazardous Waste Prevention

• Less Food Waste - More Profit Guide

• Information Leaflet on Food Waste Regulations (S.I 508 of 2009)

• Changing Behaviour – Saving Resources

• Calling Time on Waste

• Farming the Environment

In addition to the above initiatives, the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government actively promoted the use of media campaigns to raise waste prevention and minimisation awareness and encourage behaviour changes. These campaigns have been successful in supporting a new attitude to the waste we produce and identified the willingness of individuals to participate in waste reduction and recycling measures. The following are examples of successful effective media campaigns rolled out in the last 5 years. • The follow –up Race Against Waste

Campaign which challenges households and businesses to reduce, reuse and recycle raw materials and products purchased

• The National Climate Change Campaign (2007), to increase the publics awareness in terms of climate change

• The National Energy Efficiency Campaign ‘Power of One’ (2007) which promotes energy awareness and efficiency.

• The National Food Waste Campaign (2010), aimed at promoting the food waste regulations adopted in July 2010 through the website Foodwaste.ie. The food waste

regulations adopts the polluter-pays principle and targets all major commercial sources of food waste to ensure they make their contribution to increasing the national recycling levels and reduce biodegradable municipal waste destined to landfill in line with the EU Landfill Directive. Stemming from this initiative is the EPA’s STOP food waste programme developed also in 2010, which promotes food waste prevention and home composting using its website www.stopfoodwaste.ie.

The implementation of the pay –by –use waste collection service by public and private waste collectors in 2005 also raised awareness amongst all sectors. The provision of this service created an economic incentive for households to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste in line with the polluter pays principle. While implementation of this service has no doubtly been successful, evidence suggests that the level of fly-tipping and backyard burning of household waste nationally, increased since the introduction of this service. It should be noted that the current economic crisis has also influenced such practices. It is therefore recommended that further enforcement resources and measures are necessary to assist in overcoming such practices.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Governments roll out of the Market Development Programme for waste resources is a five year action based programme to promote more recycling of recovered waste resources and prevent such materials being sent for disposal. The programme will run until 2011 and has the potential to yield considerable dividends in the increased domestic uptake of recycled material, green public procurement and general improved resource efficiency.

Enterprise Ireland provides several programmes including support for indigenous businesses to develop environmental management systems and the development of “environmentally superior products”. Sustainable Energy Ireland also operates supports for business with a focus on improving energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy.

The Global Action Plan is operated in Cork by the Cork Environmental Alliance and in Dublin, supported by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. The following sections detail developments in various sectors since 2005.

1.1 COMMUNITY SECTOR INITIATIVES

Commencing in 2007, the EPA agreed to support An Taisce’s Green Home Programme, an extension to the successful Green Schools Programme. The Green Home programme was piloted in several areas and is being expanded in 2009 to include up to 9,000 households. The programme now revolves around the website with householders invited to register and be provided with information on waste prevention, water conservation and energy use. A range of meetings with teachers, participating schools and feedback mechanisms are used to disseminate best prevention practice (See www.greenhome.ie).

1.2 LOCAL AUTHORITY SECTOR INITIATIVES

The National Waste Prevention Programme’s first major project was the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) Programme. Currently, fourteen local authorities are participating and have to date received €885,000 in grant aid to allow dedicated staff to work on local prevention projects. A wide range of projects are ongoing – some are looking at prevention in the local authority’s own activities, others are working with local businesses and community groups to find ways of reducing waste and saving money. The Clean Technology Centre provides technical advice and assistance to the participating local authorities. An eight-day prevention-training course primarily for local authority staff is in its third iteration involving 28 participants in total. Participants on the course are expected to complete projects and exams and will receive a qualification upon completion. Quarterly network meetings are held with participating LAPD local authorities and this is contributing to the development of an active prevention network. The first annual conference was held in February 2008. Notable cost savings have been achieved or identified in many projects.

1.3 BUSINESS SECTOR INITIATIVES

The Green Business Initiative commenced in 2008 with two headline projects. First, a pilot for a new ‘greenbusiness.ie’ website and associated support services was launched. The waste audit tool (WAT) at the core of the website was initially developed by the Race Against Waste in 2006/7. A new water audit tool (WAVE) was developed in time for the pilot. An associated helpline and confidential expert on-site advisory service is also available via the website (See www.greenbusiness.ie). By early 2009, more than 100 businesses had signed up to the website.

Second, the ‘Green Hospitality Awards’ project commenced in January 2008. By early 2009 up to 200 hotels had signed up to this scheme and 80 had achieved their awards. Participants are provided with expert advice and assistance towards achieving waste prevention and water, energy and resource conservation. Awards (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) are formally made to recognise their achievements confirmed by audits.

In 2007/8, the EPA agreed to 50% fund a Packaging Prevention Programme operated by Repak. Several projects are underway including a dedicated website, publication of case studies, a report on decision-making in packaging supply chains, a retail sector agreement and the development of a certified packaging prevention training course first rolled out in 2008. (See www.preventandsave.ie).

1.4 TRAINING INITIATIVES

Considerable prevention training is ongoing and envisaged for the future. The first major prevention training course was that developed by IBEC in 2005 and supported by the National Waste Prevention Programme. As mentioned above, a local authority prevention training course is proving successful and a packaging prevention training course was piloted in 2008. Other training organisations have also expressed interest in providing general prevention training courses.

1.5 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES

A revised National Hazardous Waste Management Plan was published in 2008. Several recommendations for prevention initiatives will be implemented under the National Waste Prevention Programme (see www.epa.ie/whatwedo/resource/hazardous/). A wide range of projects will be initiated by the EPA in relation to this plan, especially in the area of prevention and collection of hazardous waste. A prevention programme in the pharmachem sector is envisaged including promotion of Cleaner, Greener Production/HazRed prevention techniques. The three-year EU Life- funded Hazred programme came to a close in 2007. Seven Irish businesses participated in the programme learning to prevent and reduce hazardous waste generation. The outputs from this project will contribute to implementation of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan, Green Hospitality Award and Green Business case studies (see www.hazred.org.uk).

Further work will be initiated with the HSE to further promote prevention in hospitals and the community.

A Code of Practice and local authority network will be developed around the issue of hazardous waste collection at Civic Amenity Sites from households and small businesses. A national Guidance will be developed on vehicle servicing activities and best practice in managing and accounting for the hazardous wastes arising from these activities. Consultation will commence on developing an Accredited Inspection Contractor (AIC) scheme for this sector. A stakeholder consultation will be initiated into the issues around the collection and treatment of hazardous wastes. Studies will be commissioned on barriers to provision of domestic hazardous waste landfill and treatment of solvents.

1.6 OTHER INITIATIVES

Other resource use initiatives, projects and legislation arising since 2005 include:

• annual national waste report (and associated waste characterisation research)

• waste electrical and electronic equipment regulations enforcement

• batteries regulations enforcement

• restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, paints, packaging and in End-of-Life Vehicle regulations enforcement

• polychlorinated biphenyls, preparation of inventory and management plan

• persistent organic pollutants regulation implementation and enforcement

• ozone-depleting substances regulations enforcement

• solvents and decorative paints regulations enforcement (in part)

All of these resource use/hazardous materials projects need to be maintained to fulfil the requirements of relevant binding EU Directives and national regulations. Each project contributes to resource efficiency and waste prevention by managing and avoiding the use and dispersion of hazardous materials. Further information on these projects is provided in the programme annual reports (see www.nwpp.ie).

1.7 NATIONAL PREVENTION FRAMEWORK FOR IRELAND

A report entitled “Assessment and Development of a Waste - Prevention Framework for Ireland (2001-WM-DS-1)” prepared by the Clean Technology Centre for the EPA in 2003, sets out ten main sets of tools to develop a waste prevention strategy. Many of these tools have been used effectively in the last 5 years, such as awareness raising programmes, technical support and training, research, environmental charges and economic support, however the potential use of such tools has not been maximised as of yet. In addition some of the tools such as green public procurement, restrictions, bans and producer responsibility have not been utilised to any great extent as of yet. The use of such tools should be maximised over the coming years.

The report also lists the following ten action areas which are urgently required to accelerate

the implementation of the prevention process, decouple waste arisings from economic growth and reverse current trends:

1. Prioritization of waste generation and material consumption issues in national government, local government, industry & commerce and among the general public.

2. Allocation of resources for an adequate response to the current persistent increases in the quantity and harmfulness of waste arisings.

3. Immediate setting up of a Core Prevention Team within the EPA, with support from a Prevention Programme Steering Group, and adequate resources to develop and implement a comprehensive and effective strategy.

4. Development of a waste prevention strategy for Ireland.

5. Development of criteria for a waste prevention audit and waste reduction plan to be a requirement of Irish business and state agencies through regulation. Such regulation to be developed and implemented in the near future, incorporating green procurement.

6. Immediate setting up of a system of differentiated charges based on volume/weight for separately collected and treated waste, supported by the adoption of regulations and a well-resourced dedicated enforcement regime.

7. Setting up a technical support service designed to provide information regarding waste prevention to Irish businesses, develop sectoral and other guidelines, carry out research, and implement training programmes for businesses and state agencies.

8. Local authorities to take account of the preventive knowledge and experience accumulated by the Environmental Awareness Officers, the Government Policy Statement Preventing and Recycling Waste – Delivering Change (DoELG, 2002a), the recommendations contained within this study, the National Waste Database Reports, the outputs from the National Waste Prevention Programme and any other initiatives when the time comes to review their Waste Management Plans and thereby incorporate appropriate prevention initiatives within local / regional level action.

9. Implementation of a series of environmental charges and levies (building upon the plastic bag and landfill levies) on products and waste, implementing the ‘polluter pays principle’, and generating resources to co-fund the strategy in the longer term.

10. Development of a long-term and well-resourced research programme regarding materials and waste data acquisition, as well as several other critical issues.

Significant progress has been made in many of the action areas over the last 5 years. However, it will be necessary to continue such works in the coming years.

1.8 NATIONAL WASTE PREVENTION PLAN 2009 - 2012

The National Waste Prevention Plan 2009-2012 prepared by the EPA is a framework for works to be completed on the Prevention Programme for the four-year period to 2012, subject to resources being available. It is the first revision of the framework for the national programme in place since 2004 and seeks to build on the success and lessons- learned from implementing a range of practical prevention projects. It also addresses the waste prevention requirements specified in Article 29 of the revised Waste Framework Directive 2008. In doing so, the framework for the coming years focuses on the following areas: • implement projects designed to overcome

the barriers to waste prevention and, in the organisations and individuals engaged with:

o increase awareness of the environmental impact of excess consumption and waste;

o reduce the use of material, water and energy resources in order to reduce waste generation;

o increase the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill; and

o reduce the use of hazardous substances and the generation of hazardous waste;

• take the principles of resource efficiency and waste prevention into account in the design and implementation of all projects under the National Waste Prevention Programme;

• bring about measurable improvements in resource efficiency and waste generation at organisational and, where participation is high and indicators exist, sectoral levels;

• generate case studies to demonstrate the opportunities and cost savings possible from resource efficiency and waste prevention; and

• disseminate the principles of resource efficiency and waste prevention throughout the public and private sectors to encourage uptake of best practice in relation to internal practices and influence the public and clients.

The EPA plan to implement the following projects listed below in order of priority provided sufficient resources allow and stakeholder co-operation continues.

1. National waste report (and associated waste characterisation research)

2. Batteries regulations enforcement

3. Waste electrical and electronic equipment regulations enforcement

4. Restriction of hazardous substances in: electrical & electronic equipment, batteries, packaging, End-of-Life Vehicle and decorative paints regulations enforcement

5. Solvents and Decorative paints regulations enforcement (part)

6. Ozone-depleting substances regulations enforcement

7. Persistent organic pollutants regulation implementation and enforcement

8. Polychlorinated biphenyls, inventory and management plan

9. National Hazardous Waste Management Plan implementation and monitoring

10. Green business initiative – greenbusiness.ie

11. Green business initiative – Green Hospitality Award

12. Local authority prevention training course development and delivery

13. Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN)

14. Green homes programme

15. Home composting promotion project

16. Green business initiative – major food waste producing sectors

17. Eco-business programme

18. Green business initiative – packaging prevention project (with Repak)

19. Other sectoral initiatives, including construction and demolition

The Prevention Plan recognizes improvements in resource efficiency and waste prevention cannot be achieved by the EPA alone. There are numerous organizations that play an active role in promoting resource efficiency and waste prevention such as the National waste prevention committee, DEHLG, SEI, Forfás, Enterprise Ireland and IBEC and it is recognized that sustaining and developing strong links with these organizations will be required in the future.

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2 NATIONAL WASTE PREVENTION INITIATIVES AND THE EU WASTE FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE 2008 Since 2005, there have been significant legislative and policy developments in the area of waste minimization and prevention at both EU and National level. At EU level the overarching piece of waste management legislation is the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. The following table summarises waste prevention and minimization requirements of the EU Waste Framework Directive and initiatives taken or planned at national level in terms of Ireland meeting these requirements.

Article 29 Waste Prevention Programme Current or planned position

1. Member states shall establish, in accordance with Articles 1 and 4 waste prevention programmes not later than [five years after the date of entry into force of the Directive].

National Waste Prevention Programme was established in April 2004.

Such programmes shall be integrated either into the waste management plans provided for in Article 28 or into other environmental policy programmes, as appropriate or shall function as separate programmes. If any such programme is integrated into the waste management plan or into other programmes, the waste prevention measures shall be clearly identified

Regional and local waste management plans are obliged to have separate sections on waste prevention. While the National Waste Prevention Programme functions as a distinct programme, it seeks to integrate with regional and local waste management plans with regard to their prevention elements (e.g. Local Authority Prevention Demonstration/Network projects). The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan functions in a similar manner.

2. The programmes provided for in paragraph 1 shall set out the waste prevention objectives. Member States shall describe the existing prevention measures and evaluate the usefulness of the examples of measures indicated in Annex IV or other appropriate measures. The aim of such objectives and measures shall be to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impacts associated with the generation of waste.

Objectives are set out in section 4 of the 2009-2012 Prevention Plan. Existing prevention measures are described in section 6 of the 2009-2012 Prevention Plan. Consideration of the Annex IV examples is described in Appendix A. These are included in the objectives of the National Waste Prevention Programme and 2009-2012 Prevention Plan

3. Member States shall determine appropriate specific qualitative or quantitative benchmarks for waste prevention measures adopted in order to monitor and assess the progress of the measures and may determine specific qualitative or quantitative targets and indicators, other than those referred to in paragraph 4, for the same purpose.

All projects undertaken in the National Waste Prevention Programme have built-in metrics. Indicators are quantitative where possible and qualitative where appropriate (see section 8.4). The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste contains targets for the prevention of biodegradable municipal waste. The Green Hospitality Award scheme provides sector-wide international benchmarks for hotels’ resource efficiency.

4. Indicators for waste prevention measures may be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 39 (3).

These indicators are at EU Commission level.

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5. The Commission shall create a system for sharing information on best practice regarding waste prevention and develop guidelines in order to assist the Member States in the preparation of the Programmes.

The EPA, through the National Waste Prevention Programme, will co-operate with any information-sharing initiatives commenced by the Commission. A paper was delivered to the European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production, Berlin in September 2008. Subject: LAPD Programme.

It should also be noted that Article 30 requires waste management plans and waste prevention programmes to be evaluated at least every sixth year and revised as appropriate and, where relevant, in accordance with Articles 9 and 11.

APPENDIX B

SUMMARY OF DRAFT POLICY STATEMENT POLICY PROPOSALS

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix B

1 DRAFT STATEMENT OF WASTE POLICY In July 2010 the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) published the ‘Draft Statement of Waste Policy’. The Draft Policy outlines the proposed principles envisaged to inform Irish waste policy with the majority of these principles being directly derived from the International Review of Waste Management Policy in Ireland. The draft Statement proposes fourteen individual policy measures which focus on the principal objective of placing sustainability at the core of Ireland’s resource and waste management policy. Policy measures include waste management planning, prevention and regulation, as well as direction of waste, levels of service, targets and incentives for residual waste among others. It is proposed that policy measures will be implemented through the use of all appropriate legislative and fiscal measures. The following section provides a summary of the fourteen individual policy measures proposed.

1.1 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING The Draft Policy Statement proposes to develop and implement a National Framework Plan in order to establish a national strategic framework to support prioritisation of principles in waste management plans required under Waste Framework Directive. In doing so it was proposed that waste management plans would continue to be developed and delivered regionally. It is proposed this model would be initiated in the Dublin Region through a new mayoral structure and other regions would adopt a similar approach. Development of the National Framework Plan will be the responsibility of the Minister of the Environment Heritage and Local Government.

1.2 HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION MARKET The Draft Policy Statement recognises issues of compliance with the EU Services Directive, possible existence of local monopolies and variations in the quality and level of services provided. In order to address these issues it is proposed to make Local Authorities responsible for the collection of household waste by means of a competitive tendering process. It is suggested that this approach will provide greater certainty to operators. It is proposed to introduce this proposal on a phased basis and complete before 2015. This proposal requires an amendment to the Waste Management Act to facilitate implementation.

1.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATION The Draft Policy Statement proposes to rationalise the waste regulatory functions of local authorities into a single nationally administered arrangement.

1.4 DIRECTION OF WASTE The Draft Policy Statement proposes no Local Authority should enter into a contract for quantities of waste which would exceed those that they reasonably expect to control. In addition, waste should only be directed to ensure maximum extraction of materials from waste and to derive maximum environmental performance. It is suggested that the residual waste treatment levies will ensure waste is driven to environmentally preferable treatment solutions.

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Appendix B

1.5 LEVEL OF SERVICE Collection Services

The Draft Policy Statement makes the following proposals in relation to the level of waste collection services for various waste streams: – Paper & Card for recycling at least fortnightly (no less frequently than black bin) – Textiles for recycling at least monthly – Food waste at least weekly – Steel & aluminium cans at least fortnightly (no less frequently than black bin) – Plastic bottles at least fortnightly (no less frequently than black bin) – Glass containers at least fortnightly (no less frequently than black bin) or network of bring

banks with density 1 per 600 persons Civic Amenity Sites It is proposed to introduce regulations to ensure all household waste recycling centres are operated to provide a high level of service and all facilities are equipped for separate collection of garden waste and textiles. It is also proposed to charge for the delivery of unsorted residual waste (principle of pay by use) at Civic Amenity Sites.

1.6 OBLIGATION TO USE WASTE SERVICES It is proposed to introduce measures to ensure householders deal with waste in environmentally responsible manner by including requirements for householders to avail of services where provided.

1.7 TARGETS AND INCENTIVES FOR RESIDUAL WASTE The Draft Policy Statement proposes targets be set where Local Authorities are required to secure reductions in residual waste generated by householders in their areas. It is proposed to introduce a charge of €50/tonne of waste generated in excess of the targets.

– < 250kg per capita by 2011; – < 200kg per capita by 2014; – < 175kg per capita by 2017; – < 150kg per capita by 2020;

It is suggested that these targets be met through an emphasis on waste prevention, source segregated collections and the application of pre-treatment techniques.

1.8 WASTE FACILITY LEVIES The Draft Policy Statement proposes to introduce a Landfill levy of €50/tonne in 2011 and €75/tonne in 2012 following the introduction of necessary legislation. It is also proposed to introduce an incineration levy and review the introduction of levies to other types of waste management facilities and technologies in 2014, when Irelands performance against landfill diversion targets for 2013 will be known.

1.9 INCINERATOR BOTTOM ASH It is proposed to examine the classification of incinerator bottom ash as hazardous in conjunction with the EPA. The application of ecotoxicity testing of the material will be examined.

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Appendix B

1.10 RECYCLING TARGETS It is proposed to set a range of recycling targets to drive waste away from residual management to methods higher in the waste hierarchy. The targets under consideration are as follows: Commercial Waste

55% in 2010 60% in 2012 65% in 2014 70% in 2016

Construction and Demolition Waste

75% in 2010 80% in 2012 85% in 2014 90% in 2016

Packaging Waste

Recycling target for packaging waste of 75% in 2013 Deposit and Refund Strategy

It is proposed to commission a dedicated study to investigate deposit and refund schemes

1.11 PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY It is proposed to abolish the existing de minimis exemption under Packaging Regulations to ensure all producers of packaging waste contribute to its management. It is also proposed to consider the extension of producer responsibility initiatives to newspapers & Magazines, junk mail and other direct marketing It is also proposed to extend producer responsibility to;

– New developments ≥10 houses – Other new developments >1,250m2 (Floor area) – Projects generating >100m3 of C&D waste – Civil engineering projects producing >500m3 of waste

It is also proposed to introduce compliance bonds for developers and make site waste management plans mandatory. Such plans should demonstrate the following recycling targets have been met:

– 80% in 2011 – 85% in 2012 – 90% in 2014 – 92% in 2016

New targets for the collection and recycling of WEEE and restrictions in the use of hazardous substances in such equipment (RoHS) are proposed and it is proposed to consider the extension of product levies to disposal items forming significant portion of residual waste quantities

1.12 WASTE PREVENTION

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Appendix B

It is proposed to resource the National Waste Prevention Programme as necessary to prioritise reductions in waste volumes. It is also proposed to further develop the National Food Waste Prevention Programme.

1.13 THE ENVIRONMENT FUND It is proposed to consider the opening of the Environment Fund to bids from the private sector for financial support for the development of facilities which will contribute to meeting Ireland’s landfill diversion targets. Any such financial assistance would also be subject to EU State Aid rules.

1.14 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The need for the development of green procurement is reiterated and promoted. In addition it is proposed to ensure the benefits of biogas and energy from AD are recognised and procedures for connection to relevant national grids are clarified. It is proposed to engage DCENR and DETI to ensure deployment of technologies such as MBT is fully exploited.