Vol. 515 No. 3
25 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the percentage of waste products recycled in 1999; the level of recycling to be reached nationally over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5800/00]
The National Waste Database, NWD, report published by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1996 indicates that, in 1995, 7.8% of household and commercial waste was recycled, while 17.3% of reported hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste was recovered. Information and statistics on recycling performance in 1999 are not yet available. I understand the Environmental Protection Agency will shortly publish a National Waste Database report for 1998.
As outlined in my policy statement, Changing our Ways, overall Government policy on waste management is committed to a dramatic reduction in reliance on landfill, in favour of an integrated waste management approach which will deliver ambitious waste recycling and recovery targets. These are stated over a 15 year time frame to include a diversion of 50% of overall household waste away from landfill, a minimum 65% reduction in biodegradable municipal waste consigned to landfill, the development of composting and other feasible biological treatment facilities capable of treating up to 300,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, recycling of 35% of municipal waste, and recycling at least 50% of C&D waste within a five year period, with a progressive increase to at least 85% over 15 years.
The waste management plans currently being developed and adopted by the local authorities are generally aimed at meeting these targets and incorporate proposals for household segregation and "kerbside" collection of organic waste and dry recyclables in urban areas; an extended network of "bring" facilities in rural areas, typically with a target density of one facility per 500 population; an increased network of civic amenity sites and waste transfer stations; and a range of waste treatment and disposal facilities.
I am satisfied that the systematic approach now being adopted will provide a good basis on which to address the difficulties associated with improving our national materials recycling performance.
In addition, a policy statement on waste recycling and waste recovery generally is currently in preparation. This policy document will address in detail the factors and practical considerations which are relevant to the achievement of Government policy objectives in this area, and outline the scope of measures which will be undertaken in support of better recycling performance.
Does the Minister agree there is a large gap between the 7.8% recycling rate he quoted and the target rates to which we are committed? He said there will be another policy document. We have already had policy documents. We have seen the recent demise of Kerbside in Dublin, which showed our commitment to recycling is a sham. The system collapsed as it did not have the markets. Recycling did not work. Is our recycling system simply a matter of collecting the products and dumping them in the landfill? That seems to be all we are doing. How will the Minister intervene to ensure we have the markets for recyclable products?
The Minister has told us that recycling and waste management is a matter for local authorities. However, that is not working as local authorities simply cannot develop those markets. What has the Minister done since the recent demise of Kerbside, which showed that our recycling policy is not working? I contend the figure is less than 7.8%.
The figure to which the Deputy and I referred is a 1995 figure. I regret we do not have a more up to date figure. I expect that figure will be substantially higher when the 1998 figures are published.
The Deputy is correct that there is a long way to go before we achieve the targets set out in the programme. The Waste Management Act, 1996, established the general framework. It has been useful to publish "Changing our Ways", which has given more direction to local authorities. I accept the Deputy's argument. My predecessor brought in the waste management Act, but I sat opposite him and agreed with the general thrust of his policy at that time. However, it did not work. Similarly, in the case of recycling there is a need for more direction from the Department. However, the policy will have to be effected at a local level.
There are inherent difficulties in achieving high recycling targets in Ireland because of the demographic factors, the limited support infrastructure and the lack of reprocessing capacity. However, when the waste management plans, which take an integrated approach, are put in place, people will be interested in providing infrastructure, either privately or through public private partnerships, and we will be in a much better position to achieve our targets. I mentioned areas where we can achieve the targets, particularly in the area of C&D waste, over the next few years. They are fairly substantial. However, there is fair distance to go to achieve our desires and targets.
The failure of Kerbside showed there is a huge gap. Will the Minister elaborate on that? I understand Repak was able to meet its commitments under the packaging regulations by supporting Kerbside. Where does that leave Repak and our packaging regulations now?
May I—
We must move on as the time for this question is exhausted. I remind the House that it is a priority question and, therefore, no other Deputy can ask a supplementary question.
Kerbside started out as a three year pilot project collecting recyclables from domestic households. It was initiated by Dublin Chamber of Commerce and it was supported at the outset 65% by private industry and 35% by public authorities. It was not ever reviewed. The kerbside operation – not the company but the idea of kerbside collection of recyclables – is being addressed in the waste management plan for Dublin. Kerbside type collections will continue, even if Kerbside itself does not.
They have not worked.
