asked the Minister for Local Government whether the EEC directive on waste disposal can be implemented in this country by June, 1977.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waste Disposal.
23.
I assume that the question relates to the directive dated 16th June, 1975, on the disposal of waste oils. It is expected that the directive can be implemented by the date indicated by the Deputy.
The principal requirements of the directive are that member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure the safe collection and disposal of waste oils and that, as far as possible, disposal is carried out by recycling. My Department have been involved for some time in the preparatory work for implementation. For example, local authorities have been asked to consider means for giving effect to the directive and to assist in assembling the information on the extent of the problem in their areas. This information is required as a basis for further decisions on implementation measures. I may say that waste oils are already being collected for re-use on a substantial scale by the private sector and local authorities have been asked to co-operate by providing collection depot facilities, in appropriate circumstances.