Please Select an Option
- Waste Management in Ireland
- Waste Prevention
- Reduce and Reuse
- Recycling
- Composting
- Initiatives
Waste Management in Ireland
In Ireland, we produce a lot of waste. As a result, waste management is widely recognised as one of the most problematic issues facing Ireland’s environment.
In 2006, the total estimated generation of waste in Ireland, excluding agricultural waste, was 30,704,149 tonnes, an increase of 23% on 2004. Total household waste generated in 2006 was 1,978,716 tonnes, an increase of 15% on 2004. This equates to over 1 tonne of waste per household per year.
A number of documents have been published by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government outlining Ireland’s policies on waste management. These include Changing Our Ways (1998), Delivering Change (2002) and Taking Stock and Moving Forward (2004).
The options for dealing with our waste in Ireland are described in the 'waste hierarchy' with those towards the top more desirable than those towards the bottom.
1. Prevention/Minimisation: Before any purchases are made, consider are they even needed. Clever shopping by buying in bulk, using refills etc.
2. Reuse: This is where a product is bought and sold on with the same purpose. e.g. clothes banks, jam jars - there is no change to the product.
3. Recycling: A waste is processed into a new product often not related to the initial item. e.g. glass, plastics and composting.
4. Energy: Recovery Taking waste/part of a waste stream, and using it as a fuel. e.g. making paper logs, waste-to-energy plants.
5. Disposal: Landfill is the disposal route for 91% of the household, commercial and industrial waste produced in Ireland.
Note that recycling is towards the bottom of the list on the list and should only be considered after prevention, minimisation and reuse options have been deemed inappropriate.