I am aware that the composition of industrial waste arisings varies widely. In accordance with the principle of producer responsibility, it is a matter for each industrial concern to make appropriate arrangements for the recovery or disposal of its waste arisings. In this regard, waste brokerage services are available, which can arrange for the treatment of hazardous wastes, either in Irish facilities or abroad. The treatment of problematic wastes can be costly, and it is obviously in the interest of a waste producer to minimise the volume and harmfulness of waste arisings.
Agricultural, commercial and industrial activities are subject to legal obligations with regard to waste minimisation. Under section 22 of the Waste Management Act, 1996, a person engaged in such activity is required to take such reasonable steps as are necessary for the purpose of preventing or minimising the production of waste from that activity. In the case of activities which are subject to integrated pollution control licensing under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, the EPA may not grant a licence for an activity unless it is satisfied that the best available technology not entailing excessive costs will be used to prevent or eliminate or, where that is not practicable, to limit or reduce emissions from the activity.
The EPA is engaged in the preparation of a national hazardous waste management plan which, among other things, will identify facilities currently available for the collection, recovery or disposal of hazardous wastes, and make recommendations regarding waste facilities and other physical resources considered to be necessary for the management of hazardous wastes. It is expected that a draft national plan will be published shortly.
