Written Answers. - Waste Management.
Bernard Allen
Question:
182
Mr. Allen
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the average tonnage of domestic refuse produced per household; the method of assessment of such production; if the average has increased compared to the average ten years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[17547/02]
Bernard Allen
Question:
294
Mr. Allen
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the latest estimate for municipal solid waste per capita here for the most recent available year; and the percentage increase which this represents over the 1992 estimate of 256 tonnes per capita.
[17682/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 294 together.
A 1993 survey, undertaken by consultants on behalf of my Department, estimated that the total quantity of household and commercial – municipal – waste arising in Ireland was 1.972 million tonnes, equivalent to approximately 0.55 tonnesper capita.The most comprehensive data on waste arisings are contained in the national waste database reports for 1995 and 1998, published by the EPA. The EPA estimated that some 2.056 million tonnes of municipal waste was generated in Ireland in 1998, compared to a best estimate of 1,848 million tonnes in 1995. On this basis, it is estimated that per capita municipal waste arisings increased from 0.52 tonnes in 1995 to 0.56 tonnes in 1998.
The 1998 report estimates that 1.22 million tonnes of household waste was generated in 1998, compared to an equivalent figure of 1.32 million tonnes in 1995, the first year in respect of which the national waste database was compiled.
In general, the EPA cautions that care must be taken in making comparisons between 1995 and 1998 waste data, as it can be difficult to determine the extent to which variations reflect real developments, or are a function of improved reporting and methodology.
The EPA's principal method of obtaining data on municipal waste, including household waste, for the 1998 report was through a questionnaire circulated to all local authorities, supported by information from waste contractors and recycling organisations, and from waste composition surveys conducted by or on behalf of local authorities. The EPA is currently preparing the national waste database report for 2001.
Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 44.
