Michael Ferris
Ceist:12 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the initiative, if any, he has taken to increase the volume of materials recycled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5903/98]
Written Answers - Recycling Initiative.
A wide range of measures is being pursued by my Department to promote recycling in the context of the ongoing implementation of national strategy and the Waste Management Act, 1996. A number were set out in the reply to Question No. 10 of 14 October 1997.
The measures taken since July 1997 include the making of the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations, 1997, to support and promote the recovery of waste plastics from farms. Measures have been taken to promote awareness of, and compliance with, these regulations and the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997, which relate to packaging waste. These included the publication of information notices in newspapers and written communication with waste collectors and local authorities, who have received extensive guidance notes on the regulations, information on packaging producers, and model forms of declarations and notices to assist implementation and enforcement. My Department liaises with local authorities and with the approved bodies, Repak Ltd. and the Irish Farm Films Producers Group, for the purpose of monitoring and developing their activities in relation to waste recovery. I also launched a report on the use of shredded newspaper as a bedding material for dairy cows.
In November 1997 I approved grants to a value of some £1.7 million in respect of 11 major local authority and private sector projects for recycling infrastructure for non-hazardous waste. In January 1998 I approved grants to a value of some £2.1 million in relation to eight private sector projects for the provision of facilities for the recovery or disposal of hazardous waste. These grants are funded by the European Regional Development Fund and are provided under the Operational Programme for Environment Services. My Department is continuing to encourage local authorities to develop waste management strategy studies on an inter-authority basis and to develop alternatives to the disposal of waste to landfill.
The Government programme contains a specific commitment to reduce dependence on landfills and, within 15 years, to divert 50 per cent of household waste to alternative treatment routes. The Minister supports the proposed EU Directive on landfill which will require member states to develop national strategies to divert the major portion of biodegradable waste from landfill.
A full statement on national waste management policy will be published this year to address in detail the factors and practical considerations which are relevant to the achievement of Government policy objectives in this area generally.