The most recent statistical information on Irish waste arisings is provided in the EPA's national waste database report for 1998, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library.
This 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. Earlier data are unreliable. Data on waste arisings per household are not available in NWD reports.
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.
In this instance, while there is an apparent reduction in the quantity of household waste arising, the 1998 report suggests that the 1998 figure is simply a more accurate reflection of the actual quantities arising as the difference between reported quantities collected and estimated quantities arising is considerably less for 1998 than for 1995.
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 obtained from waste contractors and recycling organisations, and from waste composition surveys conducted by or on behalf of local authorities.